Arches Live, as drawn Live by moi. Thank'very much...

Violent Night



Little Vikings Are Never Lost

Cria

The Hair on My Head is Dead

I've spent most of this festival mostly disliking the pieces I've been drawing - at first - and then once I 'get it', when it suddenly becomes clear what it's about, the dawn of realisation settles on my face like a fresh whiff of peppermint and the click in my mind is quite audible I'm sure - 'Ah!' she thinks - I understand! How wonderful! My uncomfort has turned into pleased-as-punchness! But I reckon that's what Arches Live, and indeed what the whole of the Arches is about - about turning around that darkened corner and discovering light, something new, something challenging but enlightening. The shows I saw tonight which did this were I Samba and Trilogy: Part 3 in particular. Really quite beautiful, and a privalege to catch. It was actually a truly emotional night in so many ways. Death, torture, rebirth, opression, laughter, joy, song, liberation, harmony, nature, life: quite a rollercoaster for just one night. Extremely well done to Nic for inspiring so many gals to get up on stage and be free for a song. If you were there, you'll know what I'm talking about!

Dumb Instrument are the Sh**e

Oh how I love Dumb Instrument. Oh Yea, but they are so fine.

The Liquid Ship was host to their sardonic poetic musical reverie and humour, being 'supported' by the fine, fettled, fresh faced/gravel-voiced Lewis Irvine, but in a last minute show of humble fantabulousness, they swapped to be first on since it was Lewis's 'Launch Night'. (Tho' subtle in his marketing he has sold rather a few of his album 'A Collection of Cs, Gs and Ds'- best to get in touch as only 50 were printed and 2/3s have gone already.)

Was the best I've experienced of Lewis's performances - blood sweat and tears were indeed on the menu especially with the thick heat of downstairs - though he could have given more warning of his last song as I was left expecting and wanting more.

Also, I haven't laughed like that in a long time regards Dumb Instrument - aye the way to a woman's heart is definitely through her funny bones.

BecksFusions, Castlefield Arena, Manchester and the Daily Different

Tricky and 3D


Stephanie Dosen sings Teardrop


Stephanie Dosen again.

'Unfinished Symphony' with Shara Nelson at Becks Fusions, Castlefield Arena, Manchester
Stephanie Dosen, Tricky and 3D

Freedoms lost in the UK

Massive Attack - Horace Andy - Angel

Becks Fusions, The Daily Different

In the time since the Go Jo's, or when Pan's People twirled and flashed their knickers on Top of the Pops, or Bob Dylan adeptly changed his flashcards for his Subterranean Homesick Blues, and since MTV first shone shiny music videos from the screen in 1981, regards live music and art, times have changed.

What I want to know is, what were the first instances of music and art being performed live, and moreso, what instances exist of art being created simultaneously during a musical performance.

So during a recent weekend, I went on a 'field- trip' to Becks Fusions down in Manchester to start finding out.

Connect Connect...

What a weekend. Got some great drawings, met some wonderful folks, and asides from waking up in a puddle in my tent (with QuickDraw emblazoned on the side!! Not intended honestly!), spending more time than necessary in the mission to get an AAA pass, and a post festival uber-bug, I had a brilliant lovely time of it.
If you're looking for pictures, come back next week to have a swatch - I've chosen to not look at the pictures until next week and let my mind process all the experiences I had.
Thanks to all the behind the scenes people and the musicians for letting me draw them. Sigur Ros, most definitely a highlight - what an amazing show, and what beautiful folks they are too.