Spotlight - Manx Radio

This week we wend our way round Peel, speaking to a whole host of local artists exhibiting their work as part of the Creative Network's Isle of Man Art Festival

This week, I venture into the wilds of Ravensdale with poet and performer Jackie Morrey-Grace to discuss the tale she's written, 'On Ravensdale Hill', inspired by this almost-secret beauty spot

Our guest this week, is interior designer (among many other things) Rumana Swinton, who’ll be telling us about some of her past projects, inspirations and her creative practice in this intriguing creative profession

This week on Spotlight, we’re talking to local singer songwriter Callum Brew who is releasing his very first single 'Maple Spirit' on Spotify this Friday, and we look back on a conversation I had with the incredible Yola a few years ago, who shared her advice on maintaining your voice under pressure

This week we’re out and about at the new ArtReach Studios in Peel, we hear what’s going on at Yn Chruinnaght this week, and we find out more about the Secret Stitch Society

This week, we’re finding out more about a children’s book raising money for charity, Robert Cowley's rainbow series of books has been a real hit with young people and his most recent book 'Pink the fairy' has already raised over £1,000 for Breast Cancer Now. Find your copy at the Lexicon in Douglas or contact Rob at manxman57@live.com Also, would you like the opportunity to lead a new choir? If so, your fate may be tied to the Jurby Community Centre! To get in touch, give them a search on Facebook or call 818015

Tonight, we're talking to scientist and animator Max Tate who is bringing the periodic table to the masses with his fun and quirky videos - get your element on here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYRFpw_N4_cMeFrcYqYCew

This week on Spotlight we’re joined by Manx Radio’s classical music maestro Maurice Powell, who’ll be discussing the stars of the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Concerts; from Mozart to Mendelssohn, Maurice, who is the orchestra’s conductor has tales of wonder and woe to wow us all Get your tickets at the Lexicon Bookshop, Bridge Bookshops, or by emailing paulawadsworth@manx.net More information can be found at www.iomso.im

This week, we're talking to students of UCM's Arts Foundation and Music, Performance & Production courses about the work on show in their end of year exhibition, and we hear more about the Isle of Man Choral Society's Big Sing happening this weekend!

This week, Wendy Shimmin of the One World Centre is here to speak to us about the charity’s exciting new art competition open to everyone, and artist and former teacher Ian Coulson shares insights into the inner world of his good friend, artist Kevin Atherton whose retrospective exhibition is currently on display at the Manx Museum - https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/detail/kevin-atherton-the-works/

On Spotlight this week, we’re at the launch of ‘Boundaries’ with our roving reporter Dollin Mercer. He speaks to Kirsty Neate of MNH, Carola Rush of the Creative Network, and two of the show’s curators Ian Coulson and Helen Fox, plus artists Beth Louella, Janet Lees, and Janet Corrin, at the exhibition now on display at the House of Manannan until October.

H is Hendo for the last week and is delighted to hear about a new jazz club on the island, Sarah speaks to the cast and director of an exciting theatrical project on the Island and all roads lead to Laxey for the Great Laxey Brass Band Festival 

Howie's in again, looking at sold-out short films about everything from micro-cars to murder, another short, recognised by two cinematographic titans, which was inspired by . . . . . soup spoons and a classic novel, taking to the Gaiety stage. 

Howie stands in for Hendo  . . Christy chats to a great bunch of skankers, we hear about the IOM Arts Council Student Awards and look over the rainbow for a brilliant version of The Wizard of Oz!

This week, we’re joined by the creators of a charming animation based on the Isle of Man, ‘Gladys and Luna’. I also have news for any poets among us who’d like to enter the 2021 Triple Poetry Trail! Visit your local library or email bethany@manxcat.org.uk to get your entry form

On the programme this week, we’ll be finding out about a new music competition for young people on the island - the Manx Virtual Music Competition (find out mroe at facebook.com/mvmciom or email mvmciom2021@gmail.com), Christy and Howard speak to some of the cast of Shrek the Musical (tickets available at villagaiety.com), and we look ahead to the next AcousticMann concert – this time in Peel! Find tickets here: etickets.im/bjm

Today, we speak to theatre director Caroline Devlin about her adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry V for Zoom! The Guildford Shakespeare Company have adapted to these strange times in such an exciting way and are asking you to get involved by creating artworks, props, pieces music or creative writing to be featured in this live online performance. The deadline is Friday March 26th though, so don't miss out! For more info, follow this link: https://www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/yourimaginaryforces/?fbclid=IwAR34OrsDtbRrPoVozpbBJL021QqiGEy8GKH4I1wpcuWMOCGDP_uUeJZdim8

This will be our last Spotlight for the next few weeks, we’re going to have to take a break over lockdown but Spotlight isn’t disappearing, I’ll still be publishing the programme as a podcast every Wednesday so go to our website and hit subscribe so you don’t miss out, and get in touch with any creative happenings you'd like to talk to us about - spotlight@manxradio.com Just a couple of weeks ago, Christy De Haven caught up with Bethany and Patrick of Dark Avenue Film who despite lockdown, have had an incredibly successful year. The pair formed Dark Avenue just a couple of years ago but are already making a great name for themselves internationally. And we have some smashing local music for you which Christy premiered on last Saturday’s Live Lounge – we hear Trash Show from Sunset Jet, followed by Wheels of Steel by Dusty Plankton!

Illustrator, author and academic Jo Davies is our guest on this week’s programme, I met Jo at the Manx Museum where the exhibition ‘Story from Stone’ is running until the 14th of next month. 'Story from Stone' is a project based around Ballure Church in Ramsey, where once upon a time, people who were considered strangers to the island were buried. The church is now a private residence but the graveyard tells stories from around the world

This week we find out more about Roz Kelly whose gift to young musicians just keeps on giving - to apply for this year's bursary, get your application in before next Monday 22nd February here: https://musicservice.sch.im/pages/index/view/id/19/The%20Roz%20Kelly%20Music%20Bursary%20 We also speak to the man behind those bright and beautiful birds adorning our letters at the moment, photographer Luke Stephenson https://www.iompost.com/stamps-coins/collection/show-birds-/