Balloch Open Mic on Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting – Balloch Writers’ Open Mic Headliner is Julie McNeill, prose and poetry writer, The first makar of the SWNT (Scottish Women’s national Football team) Monday 9th Join On Zoom Meeting ID: 868 5436 9222 Passcode: 9XKffC Also performing are: Catriona Malan Steven Hastings Lisa Murray Diane McKee Graham Morgan Ann MacKinnon Dora […]
How Poets See The World – Paisley Book Festival 2021 review by Pat Byrne
Paisley Book Festival At Home With poets and writers: Brian Whittingham, Basia Palka, Sean McMenemy, Jim Ferguson and Kay Metcalfe It was lovely to sit down with a coffee in my living room and catch this Paisley Book Festival event on YouTube. Brian Whittingham introduced the event by telling us that : ‘a poet’s job […]
Read the full article: How Poets See The World – Paisley Book Festival 2021 review by Pat Byrne
Friday, February 26, 2021 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Events, Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers
Weird Pleasure by Jim Ferguson review of the launch by Pat Byrne
I think it’s fair to say that most book launches, particularly on zoom, no matter how engrossing, can be fairly staid affairs. Not so the launch of Jim Ferguson’s ‘Weird Pleasure’ – this was a raucous, irreverent and highly entertaining event. There was much praise for Jim’s impressive new poems and Louise Malone’s art work […]
Read the full article: Weird Pleasure by Jim Ferguson review of the launch by Pat Byrne
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Wolf – Review
Review By Lola Rose The rise of the pandemic has forcibly restricted my being able to travel on my gap year before starting University in September, 2021. I’ve been lacking in motivation to read or write and so I decided that it would be beneficial and make use of my time at home by completing […]
Read the full article: A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Wolf – Review
Friday, January 29, 2021 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Lola Rose: aspiring writer, Writing
Book Launch: Weird Pleasure by Jim Ferguson
On Zoom Friday 11 December, 2020 at 6 p.m. Dr Ferguson will read a selection of poems from his new collection and possibly answer a question or two about his work. (Leamington Book Publishers) Join Zoom Meeting See Event on Facebook for Meeting ID and Password Podbean: Jim and Pat’s West End Chat: Jim Ferguson […]
Read the full article: Book Launch: Weird Pleasure by Jim Ferguson
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, New Books by Scottish Writers, Zoom and online events
Glasgow Film Festival 2020 – Jazz on a Summer’s Day review by Pat Byrne
On a dreich Glasgow day a perfect movie choice was Jazz On A Summer’s Day, showing at Glasgow Film Festival 2020. Fashion photographer Bert Stern’s film of the Newport Jazz Festival 1958 not only offered an amazing line up of some of the world’s most wonderful jazz musicians but also caught the fashion, atmosphere and […]
Read the full article: Glasgow Film Festival 2020 – Jazz on a Summer’s Day review by Pat Byrne
Sunday, June 14, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Cinema, Glasgow Film Festival 2020, Pat's Home Page Blog
John Byrne’s 80th Birthday Bash, Paisley Book Festival 2020 review by Pat Byrne
John Byrne’s 80th birthday at Paisley Arts Centre attracted a full house. Part of Paisley Book Festival 2020, the event was advertised as celebrating ‘the life and work of one of Scotland’s most beloved playwrights and artists’. The palpable respect and affection emanating from the audience reinforced the accolade. I expect most people were very […]
Friday, June 12, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Pat's Home Page Blog
Glasgow Film Festival 2020, The August Virgin review Fionnuala Boyle
The August Virgin, or La Virgen de Agosto, is the latest film from Spanish director Jonás Trueba. The film follows 30-something Eva as she tries to find her way out of the fog which has descended on her life and her city amidst the searing heat of an airless Madrid August. We are introduced to […]
Read the full article: Glasgow Film Festival 2020, The August Virgin review Fionnuala Boyle
Monday, March 9, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Cinema, Fionnuala Boyle, blogging about culture, arts and other stuff, Glasgow Film Festival 2020
Glasgow Film Festival 2020: Close Up – Susan Wood Exhibition
Susan Wood: Close Up shows exemplary work from an art and film icon Review by Fionnuala Boyle (Exhibition runs until 8th March, 2020 –The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow, G1 3NU Attending Susan Richardson Wood’s exhibition of work at The Lighthouse on February 24, 2020, I had no preconceptions. I wasn’t familiar with Susan’s work, […]
Read the full article: Glasgow Film Festival 2020: Close Up – Susan Wood Exhibition
The County, Glasgow Film Festival 2020 review by Pat Byrne
Part of Country Strand: Iceland Northern Shining Lights Grímur Hákonarson’s film is set in a rural community in Iceland. From the outset you gain a sense of the place with shots of a remote farmhouse and frost covered fields. The demanding nature of the farmers’ work is apparent; an early scene shows Inga (Arndís Hrönn […]
Read the full article: The County, Glasgow Film Festival 2020 review by Pat Byrne
Saturday, February 29, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Cinema, Glasgow Film Festival 2020, Pat's Home Page Blog
Celtic Connections 2020: This Is Caledonian Soul review by Pauline Keightley
Blue Rose Code: This Is Caledonian Soul at the Old Fruitmarket, Celtic Connections 2020 A celebration of outstanding Scottish soul music, covering such artists as the Blue Nile, Del Amitri, Gerry Rafferty, Lewis Capaldi, Travis, KT Tunstall and Annie Lennox. The concert was hosted by the inimitable and very talented Ross Wilson (aka Blue Rose […]
Read the full article: Celtic Connections 2020: This Is Caledonian Soul review by Pauline Keightley
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Celtic Connections 2020, Pauline Keightley
Celtic Connections 2020 Auld Lang Syne Concert review and photos Pauline Keightley
What an excellent concert! This concert had a fantastic line up of singers backed by the wonderful Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Of course a performance with much loved Burns songs, these singers and the orchestra was bound to be a winner and everyone was on top form. Gaelic singer Karen Matheson began the concert with some […]
Friday, January 31, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Celtic Connections 2020, Gig Guide plus Club Events
Celtic Connections 2020 Hannah Read and Andy Monaghan review by Fionnuala Boyle
Celtic Connections made its way to the CCA on Friday 24th January to welcome singer/fiddler Hannah Read and Frightened Rabbit guitarist Andy Monaghan, with support from singer-songwriter Cara Rose. The musicians were a pleasure to be in the company of and to listen to, with the dimly-lit room providing a real Zen ambience for the […]
Saturday, January 25, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Celtic Connections 2020, Fionnuala Boyle, blogging about culture, arts and other stuff
Coastal Connections Festival 2020 review and photography by Pauline Keightley
Celtic Connections 2020 18 January, 2020 Celebrating Coastal Connections This new festival within a festival celebrating Scotland’s vast coastlines and many islands was highly successful and a sold-out event. For the price of a ticket, we were given a wristband to access musical performances of the highest calibre . The festival was held over different […]
Read the full article: Coastal Connections Festival 2020 review and photography by Pauline Keightley
| Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Celtic Connections 2020, Pauline Keightley
GRIT Orchestra Celtic Connections 2020 photography and review Pauline Keightley
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 16 January, 2020 A triumphant opening concert with the excellent and exuberant GRIT orchestra! The concert hall buzzed in anticipation of this year’s festival at the opening concert. Some may think – isn’t January a low month – but not with GRIT Orchestra. The Celtic fiddles danced along to the feet-tapping […]
Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Celtic Connections 2020
Wrest and Maz O’Connor, Celtic Connections review Fionnuala Boyle
Day two of Celtic Connections 2020 came to a close on Friday 17 January in The Blue Arrow which provided the perfect atmosphere for a night of musical talent. With the low lighting, hanging lampshades and cosy seating areas bringing definite jazz club vibes, a hubbub of laughter and conversation filled the room as Edinburgh […]
Read the full article: Wrest and Maz O’Connor, Celtic Connections review Fionnuala Boyle
Saturday, January 18, 2020 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Celtic Connections 2020, Fionnuala Boyle, blogging about culture, arts and other stuff
The Pure Amazing Wiz of Oz review by Fionnuala Boyle
Like many children, when I was growing up, it wasn’t quite Christmas time without a trip to the panto. A uniquely Glaswegian experience, some might say, considering the UK-wide success of The Krankies in the 70s and 80s turning Glasgow into something of a panto hotspot when the holiday season rolled around. My experience of […]
Read the full article: The Pure Amazing Wiz of Oz review by Fionnuala Boyle
Tuesday, December 24, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Fionnuala Boyle, blogging about culture, arts and other stuff, Pantos and Christmas Shows in Glasgow, Pat's Home Page Blog
The Mackintosh Group, Helensburgh Library
The Mackintosh Group Wednesday, 11th December, 7 p.m. Helensburgh Library, West King Street, G84 8EB Free Event Free wine and mince pies The Mackintosh Group of Writers are not a club but a disparate and relaxed group of writers from the Vale, Balloch and Helensburgh who meet at the Helensburgh Library only to write and […]
Read the full article: The Mackintosh Group, Helensburgh Library
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews
Mary Irvine’s blog: West Dunbartonshire Book Week November 2019
West Dunbartonshire Book Week November 2019 What a busy week! Monday kicked off with a very icy drive out to the Cove and Kilgreggan Literary Society who had kindly invited me to talk about my life in Greece and how it influenced my writing. I illustrated the talk with a slide show which I must […]
Read the full article: Mary Irvine’s blog: West Dunbartonshire Book Week November 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene
Wine Tasting at The Lansdowne – Mother India’s Cafe
I spent a very enjoyable and informative evening when I went along to a wine tasting event at The Lansdowne Restaurant – Mother India’s Cafe at Kelvinbridge.. My friend Issi didn’t make it as there was a massive snarl up on the Clydeside Expressway and she was stuck down there. I was a bit late […]
Read the full article: Wine Tasting at The Lansdowne – Mother India’s Cafe
Sunday, November 17, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Eating and drinking Glasgow West End, Indian Restaurants, Pat's Home Page Blog
The Siren Awakes Book Launch – Linda Jackson review by Pat Byrne
What a Night! There was a fantastic turn out at Avant Garde on Monday for the launch of The Siren Awakes – the first of three memoirs about life as a young singer, growing up in Paisley by Linda Jackson. I had been really looking forward to the even as I had already caught a […]
Read the full article: The Siren Awakes Book Launch – Linda Jackson review by Pat Byrne
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
Scottish Writers Showcase University of Glasgow 2019
Review by Pat Byrne Another brilliant event in a fabulous venue with an eclectic mix of literature presented in the gorgeous University Memorial Chapel. 22 August, 2019. Louise Welsh, Prof of Creative Writing, at Glasgow University welcomed people from across the world to share some of the best of Scottish Literature – writers included: “Ambrose […]
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Monday, August 26, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events
Flour Power – Live Language School Glasgow
A SANDY CAKE FROM RUSSIA WINS TV PRIZE TATIANA Camilleri baked a cake in honour of her Russian grandmother and won the final episode of Flour Power Competition on the new BBC Scotland Channel. Tatiana was one of the four contestants from the Live Language School in Somerset Place, Glasgow taking part in the baking […]
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Thursday, August 8, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews
Govanhill: Portrait of a Community review Pat Byrne
The Deep End – Govanhill Baths Arts Space 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ Part of Govanhill International Festival 2019 Jim and I had a great time at the Govanhill Carnival on Sunday at Queens Park so I though I would venture back across the Clyde to catch some more of the festival. I went […]
Read the full article: Govanhill: Portrait of a Community review Pat Byrne
Tuesday, August 6, 2019 | Filed under: Art, Photography, Exhibitions what's on-glasgow, Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Events, Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers
Mary Irvine’s Blog: Bruce Biddolph Outstanding as ‘The Inquisitor’
Peter Arnott’s play ‘The Inquisitor’ was recently performed by Bruce Biddolph at the Alexandria Library . The audience sat in a semi-circle in front of a table. A man entered. His dress implied he was someone of importance. An official, maybe. Collar, tie, smart jacket and trousers, highly polished shoes. The table became an office […]
Read the full article: Mary Irvine’s Blog: Bruce Biddolph Outstanding as ‘The Inquisitor’
Scottish PEN Writers In Exile review by Pat Byrne
As part of the Refugee Festival Scotland, Scottish PEN’s Writers In Exile committee presented a literary event at The Project Cafe´, Glasgow on 24 June, 2019; they brought together exiled writers and writers who are far from home. Liz Niven chair of Scottish PEN’S Writers in Exile Committee was host the participants were: Samina Chaudry […]
Read the full article: Scottish PEN Writers In Exile review by Pat Byrne
Tuesday, July 9, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Pat's Home Page Blog
Pure Love – The Voice of Ella Fitzgerald review by Jim Byrne
In ‘Pure Love – The Voice of Ella Fitzgerald’, filmmaker Katja Duregger celebrates the voice and musicality of Ella Fitzgerald – charting her rise, from the low of working as a lookout at a bordello (1930’s), to the high of receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom (highest civilian awards of the United States) in 1992. […]
Read the full article: Pure Love – The Voice of Ella Fitzgerald review by Jim Byrne
Saturday, July 6, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Cinema
An Evening with Multi Award winning author Robin Lloyd-Jones
Hosted by the Helensburgh Library and the Mackintosh Group review by Mary Irvine There was a full house at the Helensburgh Library on Wednesday, 29th May, 2019 for ‘An Evening with Robin Lloyd-Jones’. A brief introduction and Robin took over. He began by reading the very first piece he had had published, which was in […]
Read the full article: An Evening with Multi Award winning author Robin Lloyd-Jones
Monday, June 3, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene
Dan Richards Booked! Festival 2019 review Mary Irvine
Dan Richards ‘Outpost: A Journey to the Wild Ends of the World’ Balloch Library Sunday 19th May 2019 This was my favourite event of this year’s festival. The great intrepid British explorer, risking life and limb to go where no man has gone before (or rarely, in this case) is not of a bygone age. […]
Read the full article: Dan Richards Booked! Festival 2019 review Mary Irvine
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene
Mary Irvine review: Polly Clarke – the tiger lady! Booked! Festival
Booked! Festival Alexandria Library Friday, 17th May, 2019 Polly Clarke – the tiger lady! Polly Clarke, born in Toronto, now domiciled in Helensburgh and London (where she does her writing on a houseboat) sashayed down the aisle in a stunning, single-tiger print dress which she later confided had been discovered on the Internet – a […]
Read the full article: Mary Irvine review: Polly Clarke – the tiger lady! Booked! Festival
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events
