Under Milk Wood
2024-01-28 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Jazz Suite Inspired by Dylan Thomas’s “Under Milk Wood” is an album released in 1965 by the English pianist Stan Tracey and his quartet.
The music was written in response to Dylan Thomas’s 1953 BBC radio play – ‘Under Milk Wood’. It has often been cited as one of the best jazz recordings made in the United Kingdom.
Dylan Thomas died in November 1953 and there was a memorial performance of Under Milk Wood in New York later that year. The first radio broadcast of this epic work was on 25th January 1954 – almost exactly 70 years ago.
To celebrate this milestone, Black Mountain Jazz has invited Stan Tracey’s son, Clark Tracey, to bring his quartet to The Melville Theatre to recreate this iconic album, with readings from Under Milk Wood interspersed with the music.
For an interesting read, visit Jazzwise via this link.
This promises to be an exciting and popular celebration and we recommend early booking.
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Ticket price £20
Friends of BMJ £18
Under 18s £10
https://thelittleboxoffice.com/blackmountainjazz

An evening with Keith Temple
2024-02-07 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
TV writer Keith Temple talks about the pros and cons of novelising the script of his David Tennant era Doctor Who story Planet of The Ood for Penguin/BBC Books in 2023. Along the way he’ll talk about his writing career in television – and the bits of real-life in between! This will be followed by a Q&A session and book/memorabilia signing.
Keith’s screenwriting credits include Doctor Who, Doc Martin and original BBC comedy drama film Angel Cake starring Sarah Lancashire. He has also written extensively for Continuing Drama including EastEnders, Emmerdale, Doctors and Casualty. Recently, he wrote the screenplay for horror feature film, Wyvern Hill. He has also written for the stage and lectures widely on screenwriting and filmmaking.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE ZIMBABWE
2024-02-10 19:00 - 22:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom

The BMJazz Collective plus guest Chris Cobbson
2024-02-11 18:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
BMJ Collective involves a number of talented young jazz musicians, drawn mainly from the Cardiff area. They partner Black Mountain Jazz through the year on some of its programmes and workshop projects.
This event brings together the current tutors of our latest youth project BMJazz Katz – Jack Mac (sax and vocals), Ryan Thrupp (drums) and Nick Kacal (bass)
They are joined for this performance by guitarist Chris Cobbson.
Chris Cobbson was one of the original members of Courtney Pine’s Jazz Warriors. He has performed with many national and international musical ensembles, including Osibissa and the Ghanain jazz ensemble Baraka, bringing this ensemble to Black Mountain Jazz Club in 2023.
We currently have 18 students twice a month at Melville Centre-Abergavenny. There is room for more if you know any interested young musicians?
This gig is part of a series, giving an opportunity to INSPIRE these young minds and see their tutors perform in the Theatre and show what is possible if you enjoy the learning journey and make the most of your chosen instrument.
By attending this exciting event, you will be both supporting this new YOUTH initiative by Black Mountain Jazz Club and also help to keep jazz alive in the younger generations of musicians in Abergavenny.

The Marvin Muoneké Quartet
2024-02-25 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Marvin Muoneké, one of the South West’s up and coming jazz artists, is a singer-songwriter and performing artist with a voice that has been often referred to as rich, deep and smooth. Bringing the songs and sounds of mid-20th century jazz and popular music to modern listeners of all ages, Marvin possesses a rare and beautiful presence that can light up any audience of any venue within seconds. In 2015, he did a brief stint with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Mark Armstrong. Over the last ten years, Marvin has performed in several theatres and clubs at home and abroad, including The Weston Playhouse, Southampton’s Concorde Club, Pizza Express Holborn, Theatre Royal Winchester and the Pavilion Gabriel on Champs-Élysées in Paris. Marvin is also a vocalist with award-winning swing band, Down For The Count, Weston-super-Mare based Boulevard Swing Big Band.
His Quartet, consisting of some of the finest jazz musicians in the South West can play hot and cool, bringing a great sound of music tinged with exuberance and excitement. Marvin is extremely excited to come back with his band to Abergavenny after a very successful performance at the 2022 BMJ Wall2Wall Jazz Festival, breathing new life into legendary jazz standards and introducing original songs too.
Joining Marvin on the bandstand is:
Samuel Joyce – Piano:
Samuel is an experienced and accomplished teacher, musician and composer.
After graduating from the Jazz studies course at Leeds College Of Music in 2008 he has gone on to teach, perform and write in many varied roles and capacities.
Federico Leonori – Bass:
Federico is a double bass player based in Bristol, he is often seen playing with various bands throughout the UK and mainland Europe.
Federico started playing the bass guitar in his teens. The accidental discovery of Mingus’s music was his inspiration in starting to play jazz and the double bass. He later enrolled for a Master Degree in Classical Double Bass at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory of his hometown Rome, while pursuing an active performing schedule in Classical Orchestras, Jazz Big bands and small groups. He graduated under the guidance of one of the leading European double bass player, Daniele Roccato, in 2014. During his studies, he deepened his knowledge of the jazz idiom by attending masterclasses and workshops. Federico was also lucky enough to have the chance to study with many jazz legends including John Abercrombie, Uri Caine, Cameron Brown, Eddie Gomez & Dave Liebman.
Ryan Thrupp – Drums
Ryan recently graduated with a First from the Royal Welsh College jazz degree course and besides his jazz activities plays with funky festival favourites Cut Capers and appeared on live BBC TV from Glastonbury 2023 with afro-beat balafon player N’famady Kouyaté.
Marvin is extremely excited to come back with his band to Abergavenny after a very successful performance at the 2022 BMJ Wall2Wall Jazz Festival, breathing new life into legendary jazz standards and introducing original songs too.

An evening with Len Pennie
2024-02-29 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Join us for an evening with Len Pennie discussing her new highly anticipated poetry collection, Poyums!
The event will take place in the Melville Theatre, Abergavenny on February 29th at 7:30pm.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
And I have done more than just simply get by
So much more than escape or survive
Through the galvanisation of love, time and patience
I’ll take hold of my story and thrive.
After life that was seldom what life ought to be
Through laughter and love I’ll be whole
This story is mine from the cover to spine
And the narrative I will control
Whether she’s writing letters to her younger self, advocating for women’s rights or adapting fairy tales to process an abusive relationship, Len’s voice is bold, unashamedly frank and unmistakably hers. The poems in this collection, both funny and fiercely feminist, announce a formidable new talent.
Moving deftly between English and Scots, poyums is as approachable as it is affecting.

RHOLBEN
2024-03-03 14:30 - 16:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Rholben’s interpretations of the traditional music of Wales are full of tenderness, wit, and
deep emotion. The sublime voice of Siriol Davies, who grew up in South Wales, is
supported by thoughtful guitar, melodic double bass, sweeping, soaring strings, and
sumptuous vocal harmonies.
Siriol takes the Welsh language songs and the tunes of her childhood and, together with
some of the most highly respected and sought after traditional musicians to be found,
creates a sound that somehow feels light and current whilst also feeling as weighty and as
old as the hill from which they take their name.
Ffurfiwyd Rholben yn Rhydychen i berfformio caneuon ac alawon gwerin Cymreig.
Aelodau’r grŵp yw Siriol Davies (llais, obo), John Ruddock (gitâr), Giles Lewin (ffidil),
Jane Griffiths (ffidil a fiola) a Colin Fletcher (bas dwbl)
Dehongliadau tyner, meddylgar ac emosiynol o gerddoriaeth traddodiadol Cymru yw eu
prif repertoire, ynghyd ag ambell i gan Galisiaidd, gan fod Siriol a John hefyd yn
aelodau o’r band Eingl-Gymreig-Galisiaidd, Xogara. Mae Giles yn aelod o’r Carnival Band
a Jane a Colin yn aelodau o’r Owl Light Trio a nifer o fandiau gwerin.
Mae llais swynol Siriol, sy’n enedigol o’r Fenni, yn cyfuno gyda gitâr meddylgar, bas
dwbl cydgordiol, llinynau esgynnol ag harmonïau persain i gyflwyno casgliad o ganeuon
gwerin Cymreig.

SWING FROM PARIS
2024-03-21 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Swing from Paris biography:
Often described as ‘the finest gypsy jazz in the Cotswolds’, Swing from Paris are a UK quartet of violin, guitars and double bass. Inspired by the great swing bands of the 1930s and ‘40s, they present their own versions of music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, John Lewis, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. They’ve been seen on the BBC’s Hairy Bikers, and have appeared at major jazz festivals including Cheltenham, Brecon and the Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois sur Seine. Expect stylish jazz and vintage swing.

Listen:
Spotify Afternoon in Paris (2022) Bandcamp swingfromparis.bandcamp.com

Watch:
Tu vuò fà l’americano https://youtu.be/0vTa94ExdSo La mer https://youtu.be/FNRFiIYRV7U
I can’t believe that you’re in love with me https://youtu.be/9SV0FfE0paw

Links:
Web swingfromparis.co.uk/
Facebook facebook.com/swingfromparis Instagram instagram.com/swingfromparisofficial/

Images: media pack

Reviews:
“Their arrangements are consistently intelligent, interesting and inventive… their love for, and knowledge of, their chosen material is wide and deep, but nevertheless they put their own stamp on it.” ★★★★☆– The Jazz Mann

“Clever interpretations and adaptations … what a performance by this Cotswold-based combo” – Nub News

Audience comments:
“Absolutely wonderful. Don’t miss it!”
“A truly spectacular and accomplished group”
“Fabulous musicians, fabulous arrangements. Can’t recommend enough!” “Highly recommended. Wonderful performance”

Contact:
Fenner Curtis: 07821 049 821 | Andy Bowen: 07922 159 574 Email: swingfromparis@gmail.com

Telyn Tales
2024-03-30 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Telyn Tales | Trwy’r Tannau
Two friends. Four hands. Telling tales.
Dwy ffrind. Pedair llaw. Sawl stori.
Join Mair Tomos Ifans, a well-known storyteller and folk singer, and Sioned Webb, an acclaimed performer and harpist, for a show full of delightful folktales with traditional and original music celebrating the harp in Wales.
Ymunwch a Mair Tomos Ifans, cyfarwydd â chantores werin adnabyddus, a Sioned Webb, perfformiwr a thelynores, am gyfuniad cyffrous o chwedlau a cherddoriaeth, draddodiadol a gwreiddiol, sy’n dathlu’r delyn yng Nghymru.

Maybe Dick
2024-04-19 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
MAYBE DICK
By John Hewer
Based on the novel ‘Moby-Dick’ by Herman Melville
Directed by Bruce Knight
Herman Melville’s classic tale of revenge and retribution is retold in this inventive, comic retelling on the high seas from the company behind ‘Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show’ and ‘Dracula! One Bloody Fang After Another’.
Nantucket, 1841. Ishmael signs on to the Pequod, and witnesses the perils of nature, obsession, punning and physical comedy, as Captain Ahab conducts a reckless pursuit of the savage white whale, Moby Dick.
All plot will be lampooned. All jokes will be harpooned.
“Absolutely brought the house down” – Lincolnshire World
“‘Carry On Moby Dick'” – North West End
“You will be hit with wave after wave of silliness, leaving a warm glow and a great big smile.” – Review Culture
“You don’t need to know Moby-Dick to get the jokes. And there are plenty of jokes.” – Voicebox
“This is fun knockabout stuff; we are never more than 30 seconds from the next punchline and Hewer has excellent comic timing and a winning naïveté.” – North West End
“Hewer manages to play all the parts and maintain narrative coherence along with a stream of jokes and the odd musical interlude.” – Chiswick Calendar
“The jokes came thick and fast. We left with huge, aching smiles.” – TheatreFest
NB: 12 + Age Restriction.

The Transatlantic Hot Club featuring vocalist Tara Minton
2024-04-21 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
The Transatlantic Hot Club are delighted to perform at the Black Mountain Jazz Club on their Spring 2024 UK Tour. Featuring Adrien Chevalier (New York) on Violin, Ben Creighton Griffiths (Cardiff) on Harp and Ashley John Long (Cardiff) on bass, the Hot Club line up will be completed by an extra special guest – the wonderful Tara Minton on voice! Expect to hear Swing classics, Django standards, and Latin Bossa Nova explored with a totally unique take on the style of Grappelli and Reinhardt.

The Transatlantic Hot Club was formed by Ben Creighton Griffiths (Harp) and Adrien Chevalier (Violin) in 2013 when they met whilst both performing at ‘Journées de la Harpe’ – a harp festival on the French Caribbean islands of Martinique, Guyane, Guadeloupe, St Anne, and St Lucia. The following year they began an annual tradition of performing in Cardiff and have been expanding this into a full tour ever since. In 2019 they adopted the Transatlantic Hot Club name.
Musicians who have performed in the Transatlantic Hot Club line up include – Franck Billot (Clarinet), Tatiana Eva-Marie (Vocals), Ashley John Long (Bass), Don Sweeney (Bass), Matheus Prado (Bass), Philip Ambuel (Bass), Roberto Gervasi (Accordion), Julian Smith (Bass), Vincent Simonelli (guitar), John Dufosse (bass), Alex Gilson (bass), Edouard Pennes (bass), Adrien Tarraga (guitar), Neil Saidi (reeds), and Jeremy Lohier (accordion).
As well as returning to the French Caribbean in 2016 and 2022 the Hot Club has performed in the UK at Acapela Studios (Pentyrch), Norwegian Church (Cardiff), Edinburgh International Harp Festival, Wales Harp Festival (Caernarfon), Cafe Jazz (Cardiff), Mansion House (Cardiff), Le Quecumbar (London), The Bristol Fringe, Aberjazz Club at Pepper’s Art Gallery (Fishguard), Insole Court (Cardiff), Brecon Jazz Club at The Muse, Elsing Hall (Norfolk) and Oxnead Hall (Norfolk) as well as the Aberjazz, Django in the Bay, and the Brecon Online Jazz Festivals. They also performed at the World Harp Congress in Cardiff in 2022. In France they have performed at the Camac Space and Le Piano Vache in Paris, and at the Conservatoire Zino Franscescatti (La Ciotat) and Le Lido (St Raphael) in the South. In 2023 they recorded their first album at Zoot Studios in Paris to be released in 2024.
Upcoming performances include a residency in Corsica in early April, a UK tour in Spring to Crazy Coqs (London), Teignmouth Pavilions, Insole Court (Cardiff), Black Mountain Jazz Club, Aberjazz Club, and more to be announce, and a tour in the USA including the AHS National Conference in Orlando as well as numerous jazz clubs in New York City, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.
Links –
Website – http://www.bjcg.co.uk/transatlantic-hot-club.html
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/transatlantichotclub
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@transatlantichotclub
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/transatlantichotclub

Stand up Comedy
2024-04-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Stand up comedy showcase :Featuring the Melville centre comedy students and Noel James.

Zoe Gilby Quartet
2024-04-28 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
This will be Zoe Gilby’s third visit to Black Mountain Jazz – the first being in 2014 when she performed at the wall2wall Jazz Festival on a windy outdoor stage.
We are always delighted to welcome her back, as she continues to make her distinctive mark on today’s music scene. Her compelling original compositions are written with her husband, double bassist Andy Champion.
This promises to be a highly enjoyable and not-to-be-missed event.
The quality of the singing and playing was excellent throughout, as was the original song writing. Jazz Mann’s review of the Zoe Gilby Trio’s performance at our wall2wall Jazz Festival 2020.
Zoe Gilby – vocals
Mark Williams – guitar
Andy Champion – double bass
John Bradford – drums
Website
www.zoegilby.co.uk
Tickets
Standard: £18.00
Friends of BMJ: £16.00
Under 18s: £9.00

POETRY UPSTAIRS
2024-04-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Poetry Upstairs at The Melville Centre for the Arts
2024 Reading Series
Tuesday 30th April 7pm £5 Entry
John Barnie Simone Mansell Broome Nigel Jarret
(Aberystwyth) (Carmarthen) Abergavenny)

John Barnie was born and raised in Abergavenny. He taught at Copenhagen University (1969-82), and was editor of the cultural magazine Planet: The Welsh Internationalist (1990-2006). A poet and essayist, his latest books are Tsunami Days (essays) and Dunes of Cwm Rheidol (poems). He is also a blues guitarist and has played in a number of bands, including Y Bechgyn Drwg/The Bad Boys with Twm Morys, Iwan Llwyd and Nigel Jenkins.
Simone Mansell Broome is a Welsh-born writer. She studied English with American Studies at Sussex University, qualified both as a teacher of Speech and Drama and of EFL Simone’s poems have been read on Radio 4, including BBC’s ‘Poetry Please’, ITV and Radio Wales. Fifty of Simone’s poems were translated into Romanian in 2020 as part of a Bucharest University M.A. dissertation. She has published three full collections of poetry.
Nigel Jarrett is the author of eight books. His first poetry collection, Miners At The Quarry Pool, was published by Parthian. This year Cockatrice Books published his second poetry collection, Gwyriad. Nigel Jarrett is a winner of the Rhys Davies Prize for short fiction and the inaugural Templar Shorts Prize. For many years, he was chief music critic of the South Wales Argus.
He reviews poetry for Acumen magazine and also writes for Jazz Journal (a regular column called Count Me In), Wales Arts Review.

Once a Catholic
2024-05-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-05-11 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
The Play Group are delighted to present this hysterical comedy by Mary O’Malley. Set in a convent school in 1950s London, we meet 3 girls (all named Mary) from Form 5A , as they prepare to sit their O Levels. Under the watchful eyes of the nuns who teach them, their academic year is peppered with religious lecturing; secret meetings with boys -both suitable and not so suitable; school treats (Mother Basil’s lovely fillum show) and many opportunities to share what they know about the world beyond their cloistered Catholic existence.
Based on the true life experiences of the writer, this award winning play is guaranteed to make you laugh, gasp and grin. Contains adult themes and strong language. Recommended for ages 16+

Georgian Ensemble Amer-Imeri Concert
2024-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Amer-Imeri ensemble from the Republic of Georgia, UK tour
Twelve singers drawn from Amer-Imeri and Mtiebi ensembles are touring the UK during May 2024, teaching and performing beautiful polyphonic songs from the rich and ancient, UNESCO listed tradition of the Republic of Georgia.
Recognised by numerous national and international awards over three decades, Amer-Imeri are dedicated to teaching and performing these unique songs alongside the costumes, dances, rituals and folklore that they traditionally accompanied. Much more than just entertainment, their workshops and performances give a deep and engaging insight into the history and culture of Georgia.
The concert will begin with a support set from Borjghali, Bristol Georgian Choir.
This concert is part of a UK tour, including a residential weekend event, at which singers from across the UK will gather to learn and sing together, and to share a supra, or Georgian feast. Further information and tickets: here

THE ALCHEMIST by Ben Jonson
2024-05-23 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-24 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-25 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Abergavenny’s Suitcase Theatre Company presents a zany, 1960s version of Ben Jonson’s classic comedy, The Alchemist. When a pandemic strikes London, upper-class twit Fabien Lovewit flees the city, leaving his Blackfriars town house in the care of his butler, Jeremy. Immediately, Jeremy changes his identity to Captain Face, and invites two notorious con-artists – Doll and Subtle – to join him in a hilarious campaign to fleece a series of local nitwits: Dapper (who wants to become a high-rolling gambler), Drugger (who wants to open a spanking new mini-market), Sir Epicure Mammon (whose lust for food, drink and loose women knows no bounds), as well as a pair of naughty nuns and a high class lady with a rich niece in tow. The result is sheer mayhem. All of the action and all of the laughs are played out to a soundtrack of the best music from the 1960s. Come along in your psychedelic shirts and tight jeans, with flowers in your hair, to enjoy the full experience!

All you need is Love…

Tickets: £11 (u18s £6). Entry by pre-booked tickets only.
Get tickets@www.suitcasetheatrecompany.com

Myths, Scars & Wanderings
2024-06-08 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Myths Scars and Wanderings
This collection of new work, explores the themes of Greek Myths, the Sea, Human Resilience and Strength. The group have developed this original work together over the past three months, through an exciting creative process, facilitated by Liz Pearce.
Join us for the group’s performance of their own writing, poetry and prose – infused with pathos and humour.
Saturday 8th June at 7.30.
Tickets £12 (including a printed copy of the work)

Just Songs Tour 2024
2024-06-10 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Bike to The Future II – ‘Just Songs’
• A Band Named Brian’s Carbon-Free Song Cycle
• 11 Venues
• 585 Miles
Bath, UK – 24/04/2024. Following their hugely successful tour last year, folk-pop duo ‘a Band named
Brian’ is this year going even further in a bid to spread the word on climate change through songs,
stories, dance and laughter.
Singer-songwriter Brian Madigan doesn’t just write songs: he writes ‘just’ songs: full of passion, comment
and exhortation to strive for better. Accompanied by violinist, bass player and vocalist Rob Whale, Brian
weave’s a narrative through stories and songs, taking his audience on a unique journey into their own
conscience. The style is two-parts Billy Bragg, to one part Levellers, with a hint of Johnny Cash and
perhaps a dusting of Tom Lehrer.
Last summer, the pair cycled from Bath, down to Shindig Festival near Ilminster in Somerset, then out to
Pembrokeshire. Unfortunately – due to a bereavement – the tour had to be cut short mid-way, before
resuming with a further Bath gig and a glorious finale at Glastonbury Festival. Highlights included a
wonderful night at The Pembroke Yeoman in Haverfordwest, the revival of Trehale Farm’s amazing barn
venue (supported by local talent Abbie Jebbers) and a very warm welcome at The Cellar in cardigan.
Once again, Brian will be talking with local deejay B B Skone on Pure West radio, ahead of the
Pembrokeshire gigs, on Sunday 2nd June. That same date sees the pair perform at The Whitehall in
Llandovery, one of the venues missed due to the sad interruption last year. Another was Cwrw in
Carmarthen, where they will appear on Tuesday June 4th. Naturally, both Trehale Farm and The Cellar
insisted a Band named Brian return once again, with gigs on Friday June 7th and Saturday June 8th
respectively.
But Brian and Rob don’t just song about change: they embody it. Both are keen cyclists and are
determined to demonstrate this is a viable and enjoyable way of getting about without burning fossil fuel.
The tour will cover some 585 miles and take in hefty climbs along the way. The duo will be carrying
everything they need with them, instruments included, and are grateful that most venues are either
providing or sponsoring overnight accommodation.
“When you travel by bike” says Brian “You really experience the journey. Going by vehicle can sometimes
feel like time-travel, in that you get in a box in one space and time, then leave it at another – more or less
oblivious of what lies in between.”
To catch a Band named Brian live, checkout tour dates on the web site at: www.thinkofasong.com or find
them in your local event listing.
www.thinkofasong.com info@madfmusik.co.uk +44 1225 313082

Blues Central
2024-06-14 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
BLUES CENTRAL are a four piece electric, Rhythm & Blues band, formed in 2001 by former RCA records recording artist and studio session musician Pete Hughes.
Since their formation, the band has played on the national blues club and festival circuit, sharing a stage with artists including Nina Simone, Booker T and the MGs, Gary Moore, Chicken Shack and several other global blues luminaries.
The band has also appeared live on the Paul Jones Blues show on BBC Radio 2.
BLUES CENTRAL play an eclectic mix of urban blues from Chicago, Texas and the American “Deep South” all with their unique British interpretation.
A good time is guaranteed for all…..

Daughter of Bala
2024-06-15 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Daughter of Bala
by Adele Cordner

Dive into the remarkable tale of Betsi Cadwaladr, a name lost in the annals of history but not forgotten on the stage! In this gripping new play, written by Newport playwright Adele Cordner, witness the extraordinary life of a 19th-century Welsh woman whose adventures spanned continents and whose bravery helped reshape the course of wartime nursing history.
Join Her Story Theatre Company as we journey through Betsi’s captivating life story: from her humble beginnings in Wales to her globetrotting escapades in service, where she encountered fellow Welsh souls in the most unexpected corners of the world. But it was in her sixties, against all odds, that Betsi embarked on her most daring venture yet.
Journey alongside Betsi as she defies conventions and expectations, setting sail for the Crimean battlefield to heed the call of duty as a nurse. Along the way, she finds herself at odds with none other than Florence Nightingale herself, in a clash of wills that reverberates through the corridors of history.
Prepare to laugh, cry, and be swept away as Betsi’s indomitable spirit shines through in every scene. Through a tapestry of flashbacks and poignant interviews with her biographer, Betsi’s tale unfolds with heart-stopping excitement and tender humanity.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the triumphs and tribulations of a true trailblazer. Daughter of Bala promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Book your tickets now and join us on this unforgettable odyssey through the life of a woman whose indomitable, independent spirit cannot fail to inspire.

Tickets: £15/£12 for under 25s and NHS employees

Flamenco Trio - Matinee Show
2024-06-22 14:00 - 16:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Members:
Jose Almarcha: Guitar
Lucia Ruibal: Dancer,Palmas
Demi Garcia Sabat: Percussion
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see these incredible flamenco artists from Spain.
Part of Jose Almarcha’s Flamenco Trio UK 2024 Summer Tour.
José Almarcha is a superb guitarist and composer from Ciudad Real. José studied flamenco at Córdoba Conservatory of Music in 2009 and with great flamenco masters such as Paco Serrano and Niño de Pura. He has accompanied dancers such as Olga Pericet, Marco Flores and Antonio Canales. After the excellent reception of his first album, Vejézate, he has just released his new album, Alejandra, which will be showcased in Cambridge.
https://josealmarcha.com/
Lucía Ruibal is an accomplished dancer from El Puerto de Santa María near Cádiz. She often performs with her father, Javier Ruibal, the popular singer-songwriter. Lucía studied flamenco dance with La Lupi and Mercedes Ruíz and performs in Madrid with major flamenco groups such as those of Rafael Amargo and Juan de Juan.
https://luciaruibal.com/
Demi García Sabat is a versatile percussionist who performs with flamenco, jazz, Latin and Arabic groups around the UK and Europe. Demi studied at the London College of Music.

Flamenco Trio
2024-06-22 19:30 - 22:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom

Poetry Upstairs - June 2024
2024-06-25 18:30 - 21:30 | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Robert Sheppard has been publishing poetry since 1979, and he has two retrospective collections, Twentieth Century Blues (Salt 2008) and a selected poems History or Sleep (Shearsman 2015).He has published collaborative work with Bob Cobbing, Patricia Farrell, Pete Clarke. Robert is also a critic and an editor. Robert Sheppard lives in Liverpool.
Abigail Parry’s poems have been set to music, translated into Spanish and Japanese. She has won the Ballymaloe Prize, the Troubadour Prize, and an Eric Gregory Award. Her first collection, Jinx (Bloodaxe) was shortlisted for the Forward Prize and the Seamus Heaney Centre First Collection Poetry Prize. Her second collection, I Think We’re Alone Now, is also published by Bloodaxe Books.
Gareth Writer-Davies was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize (2014 and 2017); commended in the Prole Laureate Competition (2015 and 2021) and Prole Laureate for 2017. He is a winner of the Wirral Festival Poetry Competition (2023) and publications include: Bodies (Indigo Dreams) The Lover’s Pinch( Arenig Press) He was a Hawthornden Fellow.

ALBINO FROGS
2024-09-06 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
SIMPLY KNOWN AS
“THE FROGS”
THEY WRITE AND PERFORM THEIR OWN TUNES, DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM SUCH
GREATS AS STEELYE DAN, AVERAGE WHITE BAND, HEW AND CRY, TO NAME A FEW OF
THAT MUSICAL JANRE’.
THEY PUNCH OUT SWING FILLED FUNKY GROOVES WITH CATCHY HOOKS AND
HUMMERBLE MELODIES, WHICH GET YER FOOT TAPPING AND EARS LISTENING. FOR
A FOUR PIECE BAND CONSISTING OF DRUMS, BASS GUITAR AND SAXAPHONE
THEY MAKE A SURPRISINGLY POWERFULL AND TIGHT SOUND.

The Taste of Things
2024-09-20 19:30 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Abergavenny Film Society presents
The Taste of Things
Friday 20th September 2024
France 2023 136 minutes
Director: Tràn Anh Hùng
Juliette Binoche Benoît Magimel

In the Loire Valley in 1885, celebrated gourmet Dodin lives on an idyllic estate alongside Eugénie, his cook and cooking collaborator of over 20 years. Normally, Dodin devises the dishes while Eugénie executes them to perfection and when she finally allows him to cook for her, their carefully calibrated relationship takes an unexpected turn.
Adapted from the novel by Marcel Rouff, this is a story about love and food, emotional connection and shared obsession. With lavish scenes of food preparation that are sensual, detailed and moving, The Taste of Things is a tender and romantic true visual feast.
French language with English subtitles.
The film will be screened without an intermission.
Ticket prices: £7.00 (£5.00 for people aged 25 and under)
Tickets may be available on the door (Cash or Card) if not sold out online.
Please check Melville Centre for The Arts website or Abergavenny Film Society website on the day of screening. https://thefilmsociety.co.uk/
Doors open 6.30pm.

Rona Mac ~Album Release Tour
2024-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Having recently played support for Willy Mason, Billie Marten, Katy J Pearson, Bess Atwell and Dan Mangan, Rona Mac is beginning to get the recognition she deserves. A truly independent DIY, grass-roots artist from the most westerly tip of Wales, Mac is a prolific songwriter carving her own pathway as a queer alt-folk artist. For 4 years she swings seamlessly between stripped back sounds of Elliott Smith and Laura Marling, to the textures, rhythm and overdrive of Ben Howard or Phoebe Bridge. Recorded, produced and mixed by Mac in a caravan-studio, her music comes raw and unfiltered, aching with nostalgia that comes with rural, rugged places.

Funded by PRS foundation, Help Musicians and Horizons Launchpad (Arts Council Wales), upcoming album ‘Honeymilk and Heavy Weather’ is tenderly written for a lost friend, and her best work to date. For 3 years she has carved these 11 tracks with love, grief and determination, pulling everything into alignment with what lies at it’s core. There’s a dense and heavy story behind this Album, intertwined with themes of love, loss, mental illness, suicide and water. Mac uses the sounds of fire, rivers, ocean and wind amongst these tracks, as well as voice notes, spoken word, and all manner of strange and satisfying sounds. Always in-keeping with honest lyrics, strong melodies, harmonies and riffs that are a trademark of her work, getting her recognition on BBC’s Radio 1, 6 and Wales.
Mac’s grass-roots approach to music is tangible and real, and her live performance is both impressive and transformative.
She will be touring this album around 13 decentralised locations around the UK to move music away from big cities, as well as connecting with like-minded people. Could that be you?
