Spotlight - Manx Radio

On this week's Spotlight, we have music from Biskee Brisht plus an opportunity to be in the band's Christmas single music video - any children who are free tomorrow morning, just message Biskee Brisht on Facebook to get involved

We're also speaking to artist and illustrator Beth Louella about her creative projects including the glorious portrait series which are part of Culture Vannin’s Treisht series

Story from Stone is a book by local writers Kim Kneen & Vicky Lloyd-West, and illustrated by Jo Davies which is due to be released this Saturday October 10th!

The book weaves together stories, life histories and illustrations inspired by the real lives of the people buried at Ballure Chapel in Ramsey, and to celebrate its’ launch, a whole host of local talent will be sharing readings, poetry and music to bring these stories to life at an event this Friday – before we get too excited, the event has already sold out however, director James Beattie seemed keen to stage a repeat performance so watch this space! I joined the team at a rehearsal and spoke to writers Vicky Lloyd-West and Kim Kneen, and Director James Beattie before I took a turn about the room to speak to some of the performers including Jackie Morrey-Grace who has written a poem especially for the occasion, performers Simon Smart, Dilys Sowrey and Sue Russo.

And you can keep up to date with Stories from Stone on Facebook, just pop it in the search bar and to reserve a signed copy of the book, email [email protected]. The book will be priced at £14.99 and can be purchased at The Snug in Ramsey or Bridge Bookshop.

This week we speak to Blue John about two big nights of music over the next two weekends, and we have artist Rachael Clegg on the line from Yorkshire – she’s working on another great project inspired by the TT races!

On Spotlight this week, we’ve got music from Voodoo Bandits ahead of their Free Gig this Friday - brought to you by the Isle of Man Arts Council, Musical Director of Manx Concert Brass Ian Clague tells us what’s in store at the Manx Last Night of the Proms, and I visit artists Laura Espinosa Moon at her new studio by the sea!

This week, we’re making one more stop at the Hodgson Loom Gallery Art in Lockdown exhibition, I’ll be picking up my crochet hooks and heading to Cregneash for a workshop run by Manx National Heritage, and we have some fab music from Clash Vooar who were one of the bands playing at the OIOW Festival last weekend.

On Spotlight this week, we’re heading along to the Hodgson-Loom Art in Lockdown exhibition to speak to some of the artists involved, and we have that fabulous track from Turning Glass who are a newly-formed duo are combining poetry with music (The Wildness of Birds has been removed from this podcast for copyright reasons but hear the full track and more work by Turning Glass here: https://soundcloud.com/user-596025380 )

We’re going back to nature on Spotlight this week as Dollin Mercer takes us to the unveiling of three new sculptures by artist Jill Gillings on the Silverburn Art Trail, and we look ahead to a free UNESCO Wild Writing poetry workshop brought to you by Manx Bard Zoe Cannell this Saturday

And, we have music from the extraordinarily talented Gareth Moore too!

This week we find out more about the Island’s newest theatre company Hello Little People, we’ve more information on the Arts Council’s Internship – the deadline for which is this Friday, a local poet has some exciting news to share and we have beautiful music from Helen Morrisson of Foxtrap!

This week, we find out how Manx National Heritage has joined forces with Google to share its historic collections alongside some of the world’s greatest works and we speak to the leader of UCM’s new Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production which actually still has a couple of spaces available!

You may be surprised to hear that Manx National Heritage has joined forces with Google to share its collections far and wide alongside some of the world’s greatest works. Tia Welsh caught up with Collections Information Manager at Manx National Heritage, Jude Dicken to find out what this might mean for the Island.

Leader of the new music course at UCM, Chris Kelly is our next guest today. He’s here to tell us about the University of the Arts London Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production which will be available at University College Isle of Man next semester. Chris is a highly accomplished musician and producer whose experience at UCM over the last year will stand him in good stead as leader of this exciting course.

If there’s anything you’d like to share with the Spotlight community, just pop an email to [email protected]

Tonight, we welcome to the programme Young Actor of Mann Co-ordinator Jacqui Hawkes, MADF President Michael Lees and this year’s Young Actor of Mann, Robyn-Mae Bruce-Lawler.

On Breakfast earlier this week, you may have heard Rhian Evans in conversation with Alex Maxwell of Glass Line Media, a local production company who have recently won best Screenplay and 2nd Best in Fest at the Feel the Reel International Film Festival. The winning film is called ‘Isle’ and follows the story of ‘Finn’, a young man living in isolation and dealing with mental health issues.

Last but not least, we're joined by the Chairman of Rushen Silver Band, Chris Weldon who is here to tell us about this Sunday’s Brass spectacular at the Villa Marina! Get your tickets from the Villa Gaiety Box Office by calling 600555 or head to www.villagaiety.com