October 2015

A trip down memory lane…

Some may recall that last year the Fringe Team finally got the keys to their new pad, the Ventnor Exchange. This was all very exciting last year, but last year Ventnor Exchange was a mere shell of what it is now.

It’s surprising what a bit of re-wiring, gutting, shuffling, a lick of paint and twelve months can do for a venue. They’ve even painted the front of the shop for you lovely ladies and gentlemen (by no way anything to do with the masses of people pleading them to do so).

What about the interior?

Well you’ll have to come and judge that for yourself but I assure you there will be neither fallen plaster nor a magnolia wall in sight (exclude the hallway: come on, they’re trying). You will however find the largest collection of new release vinyl available to purchase on the Island along with the widest selection of craft beers to darken Ventnor’s shores.

My personal recommendation would be their espresso martini, delicious and made with an Island roast no less. If you’re not a fan of alcoholic euphoria I would still suggest the coffee, an award winning level of hot drink from the Isle of Wight…

‘This isn’t just coffee this is Isle of Wight coffee.’  

From the belly of Texas comes this all American singer song-writer.

Beautifully harrowing and witty American tales sang along to the all too pleasing soft tones of an acoustic guitar.

The modern tales of American life as it is known today. Kiya Heartwood has found fame among her many followers and has led a very interesting life.

It was during her time at college when she was playing with a band called Radio Café that Kiya got her first break. Herself and drummer, Kopana Terry, were sought out and signed by Castle Records; this is where we find the inception of Stealin’ Horses.  

With the band, Stealin’ Horses, Kiya found rock music fame. Their time with Castle records was short until the band found themselves stuck in the no-man’s land of a bidding war between 17 different record labels. This battle was finally won by Arista.

To give you some idea of Kiya’s career, back in 1987 she and her band played at South by Southwest Festival, for those that aren’t aware SXSW Festival is kind of a big deal in America (and the rest of the world).

A year later Stealin’ Horses was featured on an album with names such as Russ Kunkel, Toto and Neil Young! The band then went on tour across the US and Canada with various different bands, some of which were Level 42, The Stray Cats and James Brown.   

Stealin’ Horses disbanded in 1993 which was the year that Kiya brought out her first solo album, True Frontier. And so we have it, since 1993 she has been blazing the various trails of the world with her solo career and this week has hung her hat in Ventnor.   

This will awaken the country singer within. I have often (more than I should admit) imagined myself on the back of an American Quarter Horse playing my cord acoustic. Though the reality of this feat would without a doubt have me skidding the floor on my backside with one foot in the stirrup and guitar nowhere to be seen. I just REALLY want to be an American country singer, alas my Angelo-Saxon blood will not have it.   

“An award-winning American singer-songwriter who writes smart, funny and poignant songs about the famous and not-so-famous legends of America” – Edinburgh Fringe 2014

Kiya Heartwood is playing this evening and tomorrow at 8.15pm in Ventnor Arts Club. 

My boyfriend’s really into music and wants to go touring with his band but I want to go touring with my Puppet Theatre Group, what shall I do?

It’s a tricky decision, I feel your pain.

A music career in this day and age is, undoubtedly, profitable at this current time. If you were to go on tour with your boyfriend you could live the modern rock and roll lifestyle of drugs, pugs and sausage rolls. The tour could take you to popular music venues in areas like Hackney or Shoreditch. But more than likely you’ll end up breaking up with your boyfriend and asking for more advice from an Agony Aunt.

However a life of marionettes sounds interesting. No one would string you along per se and you would be in complete control. Before you know it you’ll be on Britain’s Got Talent wowing the judges with your individual act and maybe, just maybe, the Royal Variety show.

Either way you’ll be living the dream. My advice would be following the road that makes you most happy, not one that will make you money. And remember, a puppet is for life, not just for Christmas.

Bugger it, I’ll join you on your marionette quest. Ditch the boyfriend; I’ll be your girlfriend while we’re at it.

Hollie Gayes, Fringe Agony Aunt

The Ventnor Fringe officially starts today, which means it’s time to head on over to the Woodland Bar for the festival launch and welcome talk at 6pm this evening! There are a host of free events tonight at the Woodland Bar and The Observatory, as well as buskers located around the town during the day.

Following on from the welcome talk is local singer-songwriter (and the Review Paper’s very own fashionista) Poppy Cook with her first of four performances throughout the week. Her sweet acoustic sounds are enough to make anyone’s heart melt and is sure to have the audience in the palm of her hand tonight at 8pm. Closing the evening at 9pm in the Woodland Bar is Winter Springs, who will be performing songs from their debut EP ‘Summer Is Coming’. Hailing from Leeds, the band inspired by Bon Iver are looking forward to bringing their show to the Isle of Wight!

Opening proceedings in The Observatory at 6pm is Jazzabella, followed by German singer-songwriter Finke Bootsmann, with the first of two performances throughout the course of the week. Rounding off the evening in The Observatory is folk/blues artist Jack Pout who is performing on the back of a nomination at the BBC Folk Awards. His inspirations derive from music of the 70s, particularly artists such as The Faces, Captain Beefheart and John Martyn.

It’s safe to say that you won’t be stuck for anything to do today! So go on out there, you might even discover your new favourite artist… and the best thing is, it’s all free!