January Arts News

New Year Greetings!

Since I sent out the pre-Christmas issue of January Arts News, more events and some changes have come to my notice so please see below and attached for an updated version. One correction is that the Towcester Handmade Fayres recommence in February, not this Saturday, but plenty of other arts events and regular activities are happening this weekend (notably jazz, folk music & dance).

It's a good time to consider starting something new, so don't miss the invitations to give an activity a try, also to book for Come & Sing events in Towcester and Pattishall later in January and early February and check out the OPPORTUNITIES section at the end of the newsletter. Flyer attached for the Dance Elders course in Northampton.

JANUARY ARTS EVENTS – first fortnight update

Continuing to 29 Jan: Northampton Town and County Art Society Annual Exhibition– visual arts

The 105th Annual exhibition of art by Members and Associate Members also includes a selection of non-members' work. Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, Guildhall Rd, Northampton. Free admission.

Sun 8 Paula Jackman's Jazz Masters – music

A new and exciting New Orleans style band featuring Paula Jackman (reeds), Mike Henry (trumpet), Bob Alcoe (trombone), Hugh Crozier (piano),Graham Collicot (drums) and Marc Easener (sousaphone). The Walnut Tree Inn, Station Rd, Blisworth NN7 3DS. 12:30-3pm. Reservations and enquiries: Tad Newton on 01604 858549 or email tadjazzfriends@gmail.com.

Sun 8 Folk at The Mill– participative music

Sunday afternoon chill-out session with Towcester-based folk duo Phil Thurman (Guitars, Bouzouki, Vocals) and Sophie Thurman (Cello, Whistles, Vocals), co-hosted with Paul, Lis, Pete and Anne. 2 – 5pm on the second Sunday of the month in the Steam Room on the first floor, Towcester Mill Brewery NN12 6YY. Admission free.

Sun 8 Fêtes des Rois with BalFolk – participative music & dance

Come and dance to a mix of French / European tunes played live by Badby Bals musicians! Event organised by Badby Bals and Riverknits, Weedon Village Hall, West Street, Weedon Bec, NN7 4QL. 2 – 5pm. Info on Riverknits website or phone Sheila on 07741 487073.

Sun 8 Short Drag Roger – music

Brackley Folk Club presents an evening of shanty singing as Don Thompson's finale event before the club changes. Brackley Bar & Grill, 23 Market Place NN13 7AB. 7:30pm. Tickets (limited!) from Don, drtfolk@icloud.com.

Wed 11 Jan – Sun 5 Feb: Royal Photographic Society Analogue Group Exhibition

Photographs by international members, who are some of the best practitioners of analogue (non-digital) photography. Not only traditional silver gelatine prints but also cyanotypes, wet plate images, intaglio, kalitypes and salt prints, lith prints and hybrid (film to digital) images. Ultra large prints of New York by Tony Lovell ARPS for sale.

The Heseltine Gallery, Archery Rd, Middleton Cheney OX17 2QR. Open Mon – Fri & Sundays, 10am to 4pm; Meet the Photographers on Sundays. Admission free.

Wed 11 NN12 Community Choir taster session – participative music

Come and sing at the first session of 2023 to see if you'd like to join. See OPPORTUNITIES below.

Fri 13 Open Rehearsal with Brackley & District Band – participative music

Brass and percussion players are invited to join a rehearsal to see if you would like to become a member. Some instruments available on loan. Rehearsals are weekly at The Band Club, Draymans Walk, Brackley, 7:45-9.45pm. Information: brackleyband@gmail.com or phone Nick on 07737 077009.

Sat 14 Watercolour Workshop with Ian MacManus

​Network Arts workshop themed on painting water and boats. Monthly workshops with various tutors. New members welcome from January: info or email networkarts@live.co.uk. Moulton Community Centre, Sandy Hill Lane, Reedings, Moulton, ​Northampton NN3 7AX. 10am – 3:30pm.

Best wishes for a happy, creative New Year!

Sue