Page 25 - link magazine

Swindon Wide

guide to live music in Swindon through May

Now that we are all getting over amongst the flock.
being stuffed with easter eggs and And the fun at the Arts Centre
loud noises from VicFest in April doesn't stop there, with Pete Brown,
(which was incredible by the way) son of Rock’n'Roll veteran Joe, and
we can get ourselves prepared for his new and wonderfully talented
another monthly jaunt through the bluegrass band The NewGrass
live music offerings in Swindon. Cutters, returning to entertain fans
But firstly, are you one of those in the town on 27 May.
people who has always watched The One for the pop-punk kids in the
Voice on TV and thought "I could town now; Boston Manor will be at
have a go at that"? Level III on 24 May. Support comes
Then May is your chance as Level taking to the stage as only he will be welcoming those 'teenage from tour buddies Casey, the always
III on Commercial Road hosts an knows how. Known for his overly dirt-bags' Wheatus for a show that impressive local rockers A Way With
Open Mic audition to appear on this energetic performance on The Old will likely go down in Swindon's Words and the travelling genius
year's show, taking place on 5 May. Grey Whistle Test back in 1977 musical history books. known as Heartwork. This is another
Bring your instrument, a few songs (where he managed to leap onto Swindon Arts Centre will be in one of those Sheer Music shows, so
and, of course, your voice to be part an amplifier and land precariously full flow on 14 May as the Swing you know it'll be quality.
of this popular TV phenomenon. straddling a large wooden box) Birds return, flying in to celebrate To keep your finger on the musical
Mixing things up a little at The Otway has never really calmed the anniversary of their sell out pulse in Swindon and further afield,
Victoria on 12 May, cult hero John down. Seen to be believed. performance last time in Swindon. pick up your copy of The Ocelot in
Otway will be bringing his chaotic Keep something left in the tank An all-female Big Band with venues at the end of each month, or
live show to Swindon once again, though, as on 16 May The Vic legendary drummer Crissy Lee head to: www.theocelot.co.uk
Recipe: spice it up with squash and black bean chilli

Either stuff a whole squash with the chunks. Heat the oil in a large heavy
chilli, or dice and roast the squash pan over a medium–high heat. Add
and add it to the chilli. The latter the onion and celery. Reduce the
opens up a whole variety of serving heat to medium, and cook, stirring
suggestions: eat it with rice or in a occasionally, for about 10 minutes
baked potato; top it with a dollop until soft. Add the peppers and
of soured cream, some spicy tomato continue cooking for a further 10
salsa or some guacamole; stuff it in minutes or so, stirring frequently.
a taco with some grated cheese; or Stir in the garlic, and cook for
spread it over a tortilla. If you are another minute. Add the chilli,
stuffing the squash you will need to 1–2 teaspoons of salt, a teaspoon
use one that is a suitable size and of black pepper, the herbs and
will hold its shape when cooked, cumin. Give everything a good mix
such as onion squash. then add the tomatoes. Simmer,
1 medium butternut, large onion uncovered, for about 30 minutes.
or smallish crown prince squash Stir in the beans and continue to
2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for simmer for a further 10 minutes.
roasting Remove the bay leaves, stir in the
1 large onion, chopped another fresh or dried red chilli) small bunch of coriander, finely lime juice and coriander and adjust
4 celery sticks, finely chopped 1 tsp dried marjoram or handful of chopped the seasoning to taste. If using roast
1 red pepper, deseeded and fresh oregano salt and black pepper squash, add it now, heat through,
chopped 2 bay leaves grated cheese and/or soured and then serve. If stuffing a whole
1 green pepper, deseeded and 2 tsp ground cumin cream, to serve (optional) squash, fill each roasted squash half
chopped 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes Heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. If with the filling mixture. Top with
3 large garlic cloves, crushed 2 x 400g cans black beans, rinsed stuffing a whole squash, cut it in grated cheese or soured cream (or
1–2 tsp crushed chipotle chillies and drained half, scoop out the seeds and pulp, both), if you like.
(if you can’t source them, substitute juice of 1 lime (approx. 2 tbsp) and stuff each half; or roasting in www.riverford.co.uk/recipes
Are you a poet but didn't know it? We know what happens next.
The honey coloured girl in the
at least send her away to reflect. woman's changing room So now, over to you. Everyone has
Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s The lines in the middle are fillers is absorbed in making her body a poem in them and this is your
Maurice Spillane
but they must be poetic – some more beautiful opportunity to get it on to paper
images, clever word play but most and work on it.
Have you ever entered of all you must be convincing. If Does that suck you in? The poem We have a competition each year
a poetry competition? there’s a twist that’s a bonus. discusses the change in the female in Swindon which closes on 30th
If you are a closet Finally, you need a good title. form as twelve women watch a June: www.batteredmoons.com
poet it’s a great way Titles like “Spring” or “Walking the beautiful girl in the dressing room. Give it a go!
to test yourself. Dog” won’t cut it. The twist in the poem is: “She is so
Winning poems have a few things Here are some examples from a much younger than the rest of us” • Open Mic is on Monday 8 May,
in common. The poem should have really good poem, “A Leisure Centre so you can imagine their feelings. 6pm at Richard Jefferies Museum
a cracking opening. You want the is also a Temple of Learning” by The last lines are memorable: • Open Mic is at the Beehive Pub
judge’s attention straight away. The Sue Boyle. I bet that title gets your on Tuesday 9 May, 7:30pm
second is that the last lines should attention! She should look around. Book at www.poetryswindon.org
make the judge hold her breath or The opening lines are: We twelve are the chorus.

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