Their next gig will be at The Whammy Bar, Ystrad Mynach on the 6th of October followed by another on the 28th of October at Monchinos in Cardiff.

Keep an eye on these guys and let’s see which part of the world they make their biggest impact - a deal has already been signed in the US! (May see you relaxing around Venice Beach in the near future guys, I’ll join you for a drink!)

The Whammy Bar
Ystrad Mynach
6th October
Doors open at 7pm
£2 before 8pm, £4 after.
(Four bands playing, gig flyer available here)

Link: SoundStorm on MySpace

Tafarn y Goodrich, Caerffili
26th October
8:00pm
£4

Info/tickets: 01443 820913

Link: Sibrydion on MySpace

Ryland Teifi
Tafarn y Goodrich, Caerffili
28th September
8:00pm
Tickets £4

Info/tickets: 01443 820913

“Ryland Teifi is one of the most exciting singer/songwriters of the moment. Heno, his Welsh language debut album released in 2005, received critical praise both here in the UK and across the States. Sung in his native Welsh tongue, Ryland�??s music transcended international language barriers and made a real and profound impact on people.” - Source: www.RylandTeifi.com

Link: Ryland Teifi’s website
Link: Ryland on MySpace

Lleuwen appears to have been influenced by some of the greats, John Martyn, Ann Griffiths, Billie Holiday, Eddi Reader, Roisin Murphy, Carpenters, Shirley Horn, Dyffryn Ogwen, Nina Simone, to name a few. Check out her MySpace page to hear her.

This gig is on this Friday and at £4 a ticket, you shouldn’t be missing this one!

Lleuwen Steffan
At the Goodrich Hotel, Caerffili
Friday 31st August 2007
8:00pm
£4 (on the door)
Info: 01443 820 913

Link: Lleuwen Steffan
Link: Lleuwen Steffan on MySpace

This year’s programme is looking pretty good with the Gala Concert kicking things off on Saturday 1st with an appearance from The Fron Male Voice Choir, “…the fastest selling classical artists of all time” since the launch of their Voices of the Valley album.

During the week there’s a lot going on including: the Beatrix Potter Children’s Concert presented by Ensemble Cymru; an organ recital by Ian Tracey; Johnathan Richards and his classical guitar; the King’s Singers; and an appearance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. This isn’t the complete list so visit the official website for more.

Some of the day events are free but others have ticket prices ranging from £6 through to £22.50.

Link: North Wales International Music Festival
Link: NWIMF on MySpace

The programme consists of Schumann’s Piano Concerto and Bruckner’s Symphony No 7.

Ticket prices range from £10 through to £30.

“Sinfonia Cymru combines diversity and excellence to create a unique platform for young players at the beginning of their musical careers and to take chamber music of an exceptional quality to the people of Wales.” - Source: Sinfonia Cymru website

Dates: 9th September, St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Link: Sinfonia Cymru

If you’re in the area on the day, it’ll be well worth the money. Courtney will be playing tracks from his back catalogue and also new tunes from his latest album Resistance, which is on sale now.

This British born jazz musician is someone not to miss. Although schooled in the clarinet, Courtney Pine is best known for playing the sax but also plays the flute and keyboards. When not recording or on tour, Pine has a show on BBC Radio 2 called ‘Jazz Crusade‘.

Dates: 8th September, St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Link: Courtney Pine

It includes the big names such as the Stereophonics, the Male Voice Choirs and some of the small bands just making it big - well, if they’re listed on the BBC then they must be going places! If you’re not listed then you can complete the application form.

It’s all well worth a visit.

Thanks and apologies for the downtime.

MTW will be commencing their Autumn Tour in November 2007 playing five venues in the UK: Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Durham - full tour date information is available here.

Arlene Rolph takes the title role in their production of Julie, alongside Emma Gane as Christine and Andrew Rupp as Jean.

And it’s always nice to see our taxes being put to good use as ‘Julie’ is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Arts Council Of Wales through the Arts Outside Cardiff production fund.

Event: Julie
Dates: 2nd November - 8th December. (2nd December at the New Theatre, Cardiff)
Link: Music Theatre Wales