Which must mean that 2015 is time to go again. I think that’s only right isn’t it?
Category: Festivals
Don’t go to a huge amount, but a few, and that’s ok.
Going to Denovali Festival
When I heard the Fennesz was playing I thought that I had to go along to see him again. It’s been a few years and I love his music. Getting to see everything else on the line up was a bonus really. Here’s the running order:
- Moon Zero
- Greg Haines
- Fennesz
- Jon Hassel + Ensemble
It was a nice venue on the whole, with the possible exception of people who appeared to think it was ok to just talk all the way through each performance. I just don’t get that at all. Anyway …
I’d never heard Moon Zero before. I thought he was ok. Nice big wall of sound kind of thing. I’ll probably look his stuff up on Spotify and see if I like the recorded versions.
Greg Haines was really good. Again I’d never heard his stuff, but I really did enjoy it and I’m now looking forward to hearing more of his music on Spotify.
Fennesz was great. Played a lot of pieces I love and of course was the main reason for me going in the first place.
I was also looking forward to hearing Jon Hassel but could only stay for a short part of his set sadly. Overall it was a good evening with some new things to listen to soon as well.
Edinburgh Fringe: Chaplin
Chaplin isn’t the easiest subject to take on in just over an hour, but this small production tried and I think that they did it quite well actually. They told his story very well even though there’s a lot to tell and it was a very complex story indeed. But overall I enjoyed the performance.
Edinburgh Fringe: The Canterbury Tales
This was a great production of the Canterbury Tales. Only a part of it of course as the show was only an hour and a half I think. But it was very well done by a large group of teenagers who I’m pretty sure I saw last year doing The Agamemnon, which was incredible.
They’re certainly a group who I’d see again.
Edinburgh Fringe: Anthem for a Doomed Youth
I’m a big fan of Guy Masterson’s work. His “Under Milk Wood” was incredible, so when I’m in Edinburgh I always make an effort to see whatever it is that he’s in. This year the only thing that he was doing that coincided with my time at the fringe was “Anthem for a Doomed Youth”. His readings of World War 1 poetry. It was very good. Very powerful, and as always with Guy Masterson, full of emotion and meaning and at times, even humor.
At some point I’d love to see his “Under Milk Wood” again. I really hope he performs it somewhere I can get to at some point.
Edinburgh Fringe: The Hive
Another really good show this year at the fringe was “The Hive”. This was a sort of post-apocalyptic piece about a society where everyone was separated from each other. A set of interesting and somewhat compelling ideas, but most of all I enjoyed how it was presented. The music, set and physical nature of the show were excellent, and whilst I think it suffered from a lull towards the end, it was, on the whole, really well put together.
The performances were also very well executed and I think that the company producing it have a lot to offer.
Edinburgh Fringe: Bromance
A truly astounding piece of dance / physical theatre. Visually it was totally amazing and I loved it. I’m not sure I entirely got what the piece was actually about, but then that’s true of a lot of dance pieces I go to, so probably says more about me than the piece itself or the performers. Having said all that, I can safely say that I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this or even anything close before. It was unique as far as I’m concerned, and thoroughly enjoyable too.
I’d certainly take the opportunity to see it again.
Edinburgh Fringe: Shakespeare for Breakfast
This is one of my favourite shows at the Fringe. One of those that I always go to see. Which ever play, or indeed, whatever number of them are mashed up it’s always good. Always fun, always inventive. This year was no different at all. It was a great show, lots of popular culture references and plenty of mentions about the referendum too.
Shakespeare for Breakfast has become an institution and long may it continue.
Edinburgh Fringe: The Ukulele Evangelists Bang One Out
This show was one of those that you really only get to see at Edinburgh. Unique is the only word to describe it I think. It was a joy to watch. Inventive, funny and just full of surprises and fun. I did get the impression that the audience didn’t entirely know what to make of it, which in itself was quite funny. But I loved it, and I think that it’s shows like this that are what keep the Edinburgh Fringe fresh and alive.
SoundLab Digital Band at the RFH Tunnel of Love
Using two Thereminis, a Microsoft Kinnect, two iPads and Ableton Live in the middle of everything we made some lovely noises in the Tunnel of Love in July.
I am Ashley Elsdon 