Fresh Loop

Fresh and shiny, loop six is ready to send to you. Covering extensive listings for Macclesfield and lots of newsy stuff too, its a good read in bed and not bad with cereal. So if you are a loop virgin send us an email and we'll send it to you ( free of charge of course). Don't just read this blog and think that's all there is. There's more.Lots more. Hope some of you made it the Ukulele Club last night. Please tell us how it went? If you did, you'll probably being going to see the wonderful Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain who are playing at Gawsworth Hall in August.
A big reminder about tonight

Acoustic/folkie night with Tim Woodhouse and his very splendid chums –

30 April. 9pm-ish

Boar Hound, Brook St.

We love Tim, he charmed us at the last loop social. Highly recommended.

Roll Up, Roll Up

Fourpenny Circus: a poetry roadshow
The people who brought you 'Bunch of Fives' bring you a glorious new poetry roadshow: not performance poetry, but good poetry and well performed. They really want to keep attracting not only an established poetry audience, but also those newcomers to poetry who found Bunch of Fives exciting, thought-provoking and even, memorably, 'intellectual Viagra!'

The Fourpenny Circus brings its Little Top to near by towns - they will cut a poem in half, juggle words and mix the melancholy, the mirthful and the marvellous. Jo Bell, John Lindley, Andrew Rudd and Joy Winkler (directed by Kevin Dyer) embark on a tour which includes Cheshire and Manchester dates.
Details from www.fourpennycircus.co.uk

Maker? Player?

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair takes place at the Manchester Grammar School 22-25 October o9. All exhibitors will be selected by an independent panel of experts to create an inspiring mix of ceramics, glass,textiles,wood, basketry, paper and more. Exhibition stands from £330. Shared applications welcome. Deadline 1st May. www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk.
Closer to home a Macclesfield Primary School is looking for people to provide some entertainment during their annual school fair. This will take place on Saturday 20th June, in the sunshine ofcourse. So can you hold a tune, wield the maracas entertainingly or even charm an audience with your animal impersonations? The school needs YOU. Even if you can only spare 10 minutes but would like to try something out on a fresh audience? Please contact 07981 128454

Films at Cinemac

For your delectation this week at Cinemac:

The Boat That Rocked (12A)
Che - Part One (15)
Che - Part Two (15)
Marley and Me (PG)
The Boat That Rocked (12A)
Race to Witch Mountain (PG)
The Damned United

Cinemac
Heritage Centre
Roe Street
Recorded Information: 01625 423535
Enquiries: 07871 422937
www.cinemac.org.uk.

Deadline for Image Palette competition

You've only got until 30th April to have the chance of winning one of Image Palettes beautiful photographs Visit www.imagepalette.com to enter the competition.
Answer the following questions:

1. Which canvas features two red poppies?
2. Which canvas takes its name from the air we breathe?
3. Which canvas shows a very famous landmark on the Cheshire Plain?

The winner will be offered the choice of any image from their online galleries to be printed on to a 420mm x 595mm canvas.

Coolest club in town

‘The ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian interpretation of a small guitar-like instrument brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants’.

Anyway enough of that, the other key fact is it’s the coolest musical instrument of the moment. You can’t turn the tv or radio on without a haunting performance of ‘The Good the bad and Ugly’ or a unique cover of Bowie’s ‘Life On Mars’ by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, they even gigged at Glastonbury! As ever, Macc is at the epicentre of this exciting trend with a monthly Ukulele club at The Boarhound pub. These totally unintimidating (and free) learner friendly sessions, aim to provide mutual support to make music, in an atmosphere ‘of joy and potential mayhem.’ Before heading down to what sounds a brilliant night (of popular and unpopular songs 1880-2009) nip into Margin Music in Jordangate to pick up your first Ukulele for £19.99 or really show off with a Bart Simpson one for £24.99.

maccukulele@live.co.uk Last Wed of month. Upstairs at the Boarhound. See listings.

Margin Music. 3 Market Place 01625 619013 Marginmusic@aol.com

Tony Barker talks theatre

And over to Tony:
The big news in theatreland this month is that the only radio station in this area with a focus on the stage is devoting more airtime to it. Canalside Community Radio’s Theatre Show is now 50% longer and is now on the air from 6.30-8pm on Thursdays. The show, presented by theatre enthusiast Tony Barker, first went on the air in December 2008 when the community radio station was launched. The programme has a primary focus on amateur theatre and there are some 15 dramatic societies which have been featured since the start. Once a month, the show welcomes David Chadderton, the Macclesfield-based writer of the British Theatre Guide for the North West, to look at productions in the Manchester area and general theatre news. Tony says: “Although Canalside Radio’s area is really Macclesfield and surrounding small towns and villages, people travel greater distances to theatre, so you can hear about productions in Congleton, Knutsford, New Mills and Cheadle Hulme during the show, and have a chance of winning tickets for various productions.” Over the next month, you can hear about the highlights of the Gawsworth Open Air Theatre Festival which starts in July, plus the Wilmslow One-Act Play Festival, and, of course, about the theatrical highlights of the Bollington Festival. Canalside Community Radio 102.8FM and online at www.ccr-fm.co.uk<http://www.ccr-fm.co.uk/>. 27 April – 2 May Talking Heads at MADS, Little Theatre, Lord Street, Macclesfield. The group performs three of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads: the monologues of Her Big Chance, A Lady of Letters, and A Cream Cracker Under the Settee. Tickets 01625 611974. 7.45pm start. 5-9 May The Importance of Being Earnest by Bollington Festival Players, Arts Centre, Bollington. Tickets: 01625 875326. 11 May The Tragical History of Dr Faustus by Christopher Marlow on Monday 11 May, 8pm, Festival Marquee. Tickets £10 and £6. 17 May An Audience with Barrie Rutter, the artistic director of the Northern Broadsides Theatre, 8pm, Festival Marquee. £10. 23 May Wind in the Willows by the Leeds Theatre Touring Company, 2pm, Festival Marquee. £8, children £3. 23 May John Godber’s Weekend Breaks – family holidays at their worst in his gritty northern style. Leeds Library Touring Company. 5pm, Festival Marquee. £10 and £6. 26-30 May Anything Goes, by the Bollington Light Opera Group, Civic Hall, tel 01625 431038.Do you have any theatre news? Contact Tony by emailing petuariapress@hotmail.com.

Cheshire Open studios needs you

Cheshire Open Studios

This hugely popular annual event supports professional visual artists and crafts people who often work in isolation, enabling networking and mutual support. Importantly, it also addresses the lack of galleries around (this is changing in Macc, hooray), by promoting artists and makers in their own spaces. Crucially it offers you and I the chance to engage with artists in their studios thus gleaning special insights into their work and as such a brilliant opportunity for commissioning, buying and quizzing artists. It takes place over four weekends in September. If you are an artist or maker who wishes to take part contact info@cheshireopenstudios.org. 07795 978243. Deadline 30 April

Picture by local artist Julie Hamer who will be part of the Autumn Open Studios event.

Some of you will have seen and heard Stephen May earlier this year reading from his novel TAG. As a follow up to that, a few words from Stephen:
"I'm up for this award - Welsh Book of the Year (possibly I have mentioned it?) but there is also a readers award run by Media Wales where the general public can choose their fave of the ten books on the list.

I'm organising my support and obviously by voting for me you are, in some small way, sticking it to The Man - kicking against everyone who ever said it couldn't be done. It's a vote for dreamers, procrastinators, the shy and unbeautiful everywhere. It's a vote for the miners, for Tony Benn, for George Bailey, and william Blake. It's a vote for messy real life, over slick presentation. A vote for the quiet and the awkward, over the fluent and the driven.

A vote for humanity... Yes we can...

and here's the link. If I win it gonna give it all away/to a registered charity/all i need is pint a day... etc"

Put him out of his misery and vote for him at:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/books-in-wales/book-of-the-year/2009/04/22/wales-book-of-the-year-media-wales-readers-prize-91466-23448020/

Out of Town: Leek Festival Art Competition

Leek festival is not so very far away and more than worth the trip. Especially as you can sample one of those gorgeous pies from the shop just off the Market Square, before getting stuck into the culture stuff. Incidently the deadline for submitting Art Works to the Leek Arts Festival is just over a week a way. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Leek Arts Festival web site. http://www.leekartsfestival.org . The exhibition will open on Wednesday 6th May and run through to Saturday 16th May at the Nicholson Institute. Please support the Festival especially the Arts Trail and Open Studio Event on Saturday 16th May, by spreading the word. The Trail Map and Guide can also be downloaded from the Festival web site. There's even a competition where you can win an iPod Nano - and yes - details can be found on the Festival website.
Leek Festival: www.leekartsfestival.org

Butterfly jam

Film: now showing in Macc

Cinemac
Heritage Centre
Roe Street
Macclesfield SK11 6UT
Recorded Information: 01625 423535
Enquiries: 07871 422937
Check times before leaving home.

Tues 21: The Boat That Rocked (15) 5.00, 8.00
Weds 22: The Boat That Rocked (15) 5.00, 8.00
Thurs 23: The Boat That Rocked (15) 5.00, 8.00
Fri 24: Marley and Me (PG) 5.30
Fri 24: The Boat That Rocked (12A) 8.00
Sat 25: cinema closed
Sun 26: Marley and Me (PG) 5.30
Sun 26: The Boat That Rocked (12A) 8.00
Mon 27: Marley and Me (PG) 5.30
Mon 27: The Boat That Rocked (12A) 8.00
Tues 28: Marley and Me (PG) 5.30
Tues 28: The Boat That Rocked (12A) 8.00
Weds 29: Che - Part One (15) 5.00
Weds 29: Che - Part Two (15) 8.15
Thurs 30: Marley and Me (PG) 5.30
Thurs 30: The Boat That Rocked (12A) 8.00

Fri 1 to Thurs 7 (not Sat 2): The Damned United (15)
with 8pm screening on Tues 5 followed by Q&A
with Macc Town F.C. Manager Keith Alexander

Next week: Che Parts One & Two on Weds 29

New DCAS exhibition. Preview tonight.

Dukes Court Studios are hosting their second selling exhibition 'Adventures in Art' which features a diverse selection of work by four local artists Jenny Ridgeway, Jim Pope, Harry Westbrook and Dan Chaloner.Pieces range from traditional landscapes to colourful abstractions, digitally manipulated images to experimental drawings. The show runs until May 18<sup>th.

Preview Monday 20th April ( tonight)
DCAS, Dukes Court, Mill St
Daily 11-8pm</sup>
daniel.chaloner@live.co.uk Tel-07806791752

Out of Town: Ceramics

Some of the greatest names in world ceramics will be taking their pots, plates and planters to Buxton next week when Ceramics in the Round comes to The Dome for the second time. It provides an opportunity to meet the artists, discuss and perhaps even purchase their work.Children are most welcome and there will be free opportunities to play with clay for all ages.There will be some one selling Ceramics equipment and tools so a great event for makers too.There will be lively talks and demonstrations to inspire you and free activities for children If you are a ceramics enthusiast have a look at www.earthmarque.com to see their other events and more.
25- 26 April 10-4.30pm £5, children Free.
The Devonshire Dome 1,
Devonshire Road Buxton
0115 953 5660 or 0788 193 0033
info@earthmarque.com

Out of Town: Jazz Festival.

Good for Rainow. The Loop is mightily impressed that this small village has been so energetic and enterprising in getting their first Jazz festival together.

Organised by a group of local jazz enthusiasts they are bringing to Rainow a list of internationally acclaimed jazz, soul and blues musicians for an exciting weekend of hot (and cool) events.

We love the idea of the Summer Jazz picnic and are already planning what to wear and sprucing up the wicker hamper in anticipation.

Check out their web site to find out where and when you can catch Andy Scott’s Sax Assault, The Elliott Henshaw Band, The Stevie Williams Trio, Steve Shannon & Jazz Fusion, Just Midnight, The Barrel House Blues Band, Skipping Madrid, Sam Andrea, Mart Rodger and Manchester Jazz.

There's even workshops for children who play the sax or any other wind instrument run by professional musicians.

19-21 June

Rainow :various venues

www.rainowjazz.org.uk.

Out of town: Classic motors

Having abandoned the loop nerve centre (the kitchen table) over the Easter weekend the Janes are back at the key board and scouting the town and environs for good things to do.
There is the usual wonderful monthly Farmers Market at Cloverbank Farm this Saturday (18th April, see previous posts) with extra new lambs in attendance and excitingly a 'Festival of transport' over in Sandbach. The loop (well half of it actually) is car mad and likes nothing more than scrutinising the dash board design of a 1950's family saloon. We also love to stand infront of steam organs conducting the pipes... That aside this two day event sounds pretty good though with lots of un-motor related elements for those who don't share the obsession.We are are strangely drawn to the 'Monkey March' in particular.Oh and its free entry too.

Sat 18 & Sun 19 April

Sandbach various venues

01270 766238 or google them.

April courses @ Macc College

Realise your potential now! Well atleast do something interesting while you think about it. Part time courses starting 20th April include digital imaging, graphics, and web design, ceramics, creative writing, drawing, painting, scuplture, interior design, pottery, print making.....
For full details of dates, venues and prices phone 01625 410002
Macclesfield College Park Lane www.macclesfield.ac.uk

By the way there is one space left on Jo Bells wonderfull cake fuelled poetry workshops for beginners too.For full details:

www.bell-jar.co.uk

Out of Town: guitar classes

A new season of adult Beginners Acoustic Guitar Classes start on Thursdays commencing April 23rd, at the Dog & Partridge in Bollington,.Topics will include guitar technique, chords, scales and ensemble playing.The main focus is on playing popular songs such as Bad Moon Rising, The River, Let It Be, Whiskey In The Jar etc. Classes are led by Mark Lineham, a professional guitarist and tutor with teaching qualifications. This is a great opportunity to meet and play with others in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Classes cost £15 on a pay-as-you-go basis, or £13.50 if you pay in advance (blocks of 6 classes.)
From April 23 7.45 - 9.15 p.m Dog & Partridge Bollington Mark: 07989 600001 e: markjlineham@hotmail.com

Easter Craft

Felted Egg Cosies

Learn to make felt by hand in this fun felting workshop and create quirky egg cosies in time for Easter.Suitable for children aged 5-8
£7.50 Price includes materials and refreshments.

9 April 10.00-12.00

Button and Skein, 17 Church Street

Stories & Crafts
Are you 5-10 yrs old? Get along to the library for good stories and good 'making' fun.
Session must be booked in advance.
Wed 8 April 11am £2
Macclesfield Library
01625 374000

Childrens craft club
Easter Parade
Eggs, birds & Donkeys.
Wed 8 April & Thurs 9 April £5
Booking essential on 01625 612045
Silk Industry Museum Park Lane