From
a major Andy Warhol exhibition, the music of Senegalese master-musician
Baaba Maal (pictured), and open mic and comedy nights, to all kinds of
charity and family events, there’s plenty going on in
and around Southampton over the coming fortnight. Here’s Cherry
Pullinger’s pick.Can you believe we're already half way through March? There are loads of events to get stuck into over the coming two weeks. First off, on Friday, March 18th, there's a night of great British metal music at The Brook, Portswood Road. They’re hosting an Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath tribute evening with tribute band Blizzard of Oz, playing 30 years’ worth of hits. This tribute band is one of the best in the business! The show will kick off at 8pm and will cost Ł10 on the door.
You can learn about the impact of the oceans on the climate of our planet, visit the aquarium, operate an underwater vehicle, take a close look at fossils and sea life, take part in a range of exciting hands-on activities and even get the chance to visit a working research vessel at Ocean and Earth Day, at the National Oceanography Centre (through Dock Gate 4) on Saturday, March 19 from 10.30am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm). It's all part of National Science and Engineering Week - see our feature here.
The Moonlight Walk in aid of Naomi House takes place in Winchester at 9pm on Saturday 19th. You can join in with the 8km walk through the historic streets of Winchester, and you'll even be treated to refreshments and a medal for your efforts. It's a great family event that's a little bit different, and will help raise lots of money!
After your late night, you might want some good fun and good food while raising even more money, this time at the Bollywood Evening Fundraiser in aid of Age Concern on Sunday, March 20th. Taking place at P.O.S.H. restaurant in Southampton, you'll be treated to an Indian meal, Bollywood music and dance, a half-price bar and a raffle. Tickets are Ł20 and all proceeds go towards Age Concern.
Why not head to Quakers Meeting House, Ordnance road on Tuesday, March 22nd to take part in the OM Healing and Meditation sessions. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and empty your mind for an hour of your day. Sessions are Ł3 for the hour and are open to everybody!
Baaba Maal
Now for another gig night at The Brook on Wednesday, March 23rd when
Southampton born Band of Skulls take to the stage. After releasing their
debut album 'Baby Darling Doll Face Honey,' the band’s popularity has
rocketed. Tickets are Ł12 on the door or Ł10 in advance and this is
definitely a show worth watching as the band will soon be too big to
play such venues.How about something a little cultured for your Thursday night on March 24th? At the Mayflower Theatre the Welsh National Opera will perform Il Trovatore — a tale of love, vengeance and betrayal in 15th century Spain. The cast will be even be hosting special talks before and after the show.
Or find out all about writing and publishing children's books, with local authors Jayne Woodhouse and Sandra Horn, at Shirley Library.
On Friday, March 25th The Hobbit on Bevois Valley hosts a night of folk
music with The Haiku band. Their music has been compared to the likes of
Bob Dylan and they have a huge back catalogue of original works that
they'll be performing on the night. They take to the stage at 9pm sharp
with tickets available on the door. At 7.30pm on the 25th there’s also an illustrated talk on the suffragette movement, with particular emphasis on local women involved in the struggle. Roger Ottewill presents the talk at Cobbett Road Library’s Community Room in Bitterne Park. Entrance is free, with donations appreciated by the library's support group which organises these events.
Spend your Saturday morning at Chessel Bay on March 26th helping out with the annual spring clean. You can volunteer your time from 10am to help keep the Bay beautiful and safe for people and wildlife alike.
A collection of nearly two hundred works by world-famous artist Andy Warhol goes on display on Sunday on March 27th until June 26th at the John Hansard Gallery, Highfield, and Southampton City Art Gallery in the city centre. The exhibition will give visitors an insight into Warhol's world: John Hansard focuses on his influential film and photography, while the Southampton City Art Gallery will exhibit 19 major paintings and a group of 126 prints and posts from the Artist Rooms Collection.
A popular, free event is taking place at The Talking Heads on Monday, March 28th: The Candle Club, now in its 15th year, is the venue's open mic night. Enjoy the efforts of others, and perhaps even pluck up the courage to take to the stage!
If you fancy a good laugh — and The Talking Heads for a second night in a row - pop in on Tuesday, March 29thStitches Comedy Night. Entry is Ł2.
On Wednesday, March 30th, Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow will be
taking to The Mayflower Theatre stage as the star of Jekyll and Hyde.
The show starts at 7:30 and runs until 2nd April.Thursday, March 31st is the best night for comedy in Southampton as comedian Ed Byrne takes to The Guildhall stage on his Crowdpleaser tour. Tickets will be Ł20 — well worth it to see this hugely popular and funny man.
Spend your April Fools’ Day at The Joiners venue on St Marys Street where Brighton-based indie band Esben and the Witch will be taking to the stage. The band is currently receiving much press attention from the likes of NME and The Guardian, and they’ll be supported by Teeth of the Sea and Woven Bird. Tickets: Ł8.50.
Well that rounds up my pick for this time.
Until next time
Cherry Pullinger
Pics: Cherry Pullinger / bitternepark.info except those of Baaba Maal
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All details believed to be correct at the time of writing. We strongly suggest you confirm details with individual venues before making a special journey. We cannot be held responsible for errors or inaccuracies however caused.
Help clean up Chessel Bay at the local nature reserve on Southampton’s River Itchen on Saturday, March 26