Week Starting 26 July 2010

A Feast of Live Music This Week!

While we at TGTG pride ourselves on offering an eclectic view of the week ahead, sometimes we can't help but be a tad biased toward some form of leisure and/or entertainment. This is one of those weeks; there's simply too much musical fun to be had to ignore, and quite an array too. Metal, Acoustic, Jazz and Dance are all on offer this week, as well as art exhibitions, food deals and, right at the bottom there, a great day out for all the family.

Want to find out more? Scroll that mouse downwards!

Monday - Kandi Cuumo II - A Solo Exhibition by Professor Gretchen Beck at Universtiy of Surrey

Are you a bit of an art buff? Or maybe you're not, but you'd like to indulge? TGTG feels the University of Surrey puts this exhibition, part of the Guildford Summer Festival, better than we can:

"This exhibition will highlight abstract imagery that globalizes the color scheme of the Red Fulani people from Niger, West Africa. A bold use of red, white and black permeate these images and exemplify an understanding of abstraction, community and diversity that the Red Fulani women articulate and celebrate in their own art forms."

Professor Gretchen Beck lived in Niger for three years and has returned on numerous occasions for her artwork - so her commitment to the cause is without question, and her abstract art really has to be seen to be believed. Click here for more info on times and dates.

Tuesday - Hollow Limit & Deadlight at Backline Live

In stark contrast to the serene nature of Monday's entry, Tuesday sees a far more explosive suggestion! Metal bands Hollow Limit and Deadlight will be slaying the newly refurbished, and frankly brilliant, Backline Live! Click on those handly little links to check out these two great local acts.

But really this is an excuse to introduce Backline to the un-enlightened, as this venue should be seriously considered on a night out. Open daily until 2.30am, there's such a constant stream of live music that we can't really do it justice in this little box. So click here to see a full list of events - every contemporary music genre is covered, so get your diary out!

Wednesday - Boileroom Unplugged ft Pete Du Pon & Jazz Morley

More live music, this time courtesy of the brilliant Boileroom, and a rather different vibe to Tuesday's metal night (see the common thread running throughout so far? almost professional...).

Boileroom Unplugged is a fantastic stripped down and chilled out evening, and this week features the stylings of Pete Du Pon, part of the new rising folk scene that's producing a shed-load of great acts at the moment - those seeing him will wonder why's playing in such intimate surroundings. Moreover, accompanying Pete will be the soulful Jazz Morley, whose beautiful voice and acoustic style will make you melt.

So kick back, maybe grab some noodles and a drink, and enjoy some unplugged tunes!

Thursday - Kids Eat Free - Every Weekday at The Jolly Farmer until the End of August!

Moving away from art and entertainment - how about some amazing food at a place that has the summer holidays in mind? Step forward The Jolly Farmer, a rather picturesque pub/restaurant hybrid that needs to be explored by everyone in the Guildford vicinity. Parents especially, read on...

These are the salient facts: For every adult eating main meal, kids eat free. This offer is valid Monday to Friday Lunchtime, and Monday to Thursday evenings too, and there's a maximum 4 people it's valid for. Got all that? It's really quite easy. We say call 01483 234658 to shotgun a table!

Friday - Stokefest 2010 - Live Music, Food, and all for a Great Cause...

Live bands? Yup. Free pizza? Indeed. Live DJ? Of course. Is it for charity? It sure is. And it's only £5 to enter! Welcome, ladies and gents, to Stokefest 2010, all in aid of Umthombo, a fantastic charity that aims to move the impoverished street kids of Durban away from gangs. Here's what to expect at The Stoke this Friday:

Kicking off at 6pm, there'll be live performances from top local bands, headlined by Black Canons. Delicious 2 for 1 pizzas will be available all evening until 10pm, and once said bands have finished at 11, on come DJs Luke Tidy (& The Situation) to belt out some hip hop, d'n'b and dubstep until 1am. Then, suitably jollied out, you can head home!

For more info on Stokefest 2010, check out their facebook page.

Saturday - Presenting: The Yvonne Arnaud Film Festival

A yearly event that absolutely everyone should take the time to experience - Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, a frankly legendary establishment, is hosting it's annual Film Festival, and though it started on Friday 30th (or yesterday), we recommend taking yourself down on Saturday.

A no-advert zone, you can enjoy either the oscar-winning The Hurt Locker at 5.30pm, or Four Lions at 8.30pm. The former is a terrifically intense look at the Iraq war from the front line, which earned itself the academy award for best picture; in contrast, Four Lions is a hilarious satire on the futility of religious extremism, written by Chris Morris, Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong (and those of you who know about comedy will realise what an impressive writing team that is).

On top of this, there are group deals, meal deals and loads of other advert-free film screenings up until Sunday 15th August - for all the info you'll need, click here and don't miss out!

Sunday - The Cranleigh Show

A must for Cranleigh residents, and very much worth the trip even if you're not. This year, The Cranleigh Show takes place on Sunday 1st August, and they don't mess around - it runs from 8.30am to 6pm, meaning a whole day of outdoors-type fun! Here's a quick summary from the organisers:

"This year the Show will be featuring Cranleigh's justly famous livestock classes including cattle, pigs, pygmy goats, and sheep; and along with the livestock, there is a full range of horse, pony and donkey classes including show jumping, ridden and in-hand showing, carriage driving and heavy horse classes.

One of the highlights will be the welcome return of the Bolddog FMX Team in the Main Ring, showing off its daredevil stunts and jumps. Slightly more sedate, but just as much fun, is David Seamark's sheepdog demonstration where he tests the skills of his highly trained sheepdogs against a flock of sometimes reluctant sheep (along with the odd goose). Younger members of the audience can even assist in the performance! Titan the Robot will also add to the excitement of the day along with the entertaining Sheep Show presented by Richard Savory in true New Zealand style, who demonstrates sheep shearing and his amazing dancing sheep."

Sounds awesome. We say book your tickets online to save money! Want to see the run of events? That's right here!

Tip of The Week

Jazz Giant Courtney Pine Performing at St Saviour's Church

Put simply, Courtney Pine can lay claim to being the biggest jazz star in the UK, having the distinction of being the first genuine jazz artist to have a top 40 album (1986's 'Journey to the Urge Within'). And the man himself, accompanied with his hugely talented band, will be performing at Guildford's St Saviour's Church this Thursday 29th July!

A rare opportunity to see an underground hero right on your doorstep; this is not to be missed. The performance starts at 7.30pm, and all the tickets and booking info are right here!