Navigators Art are going underground for experimental Basement show of left-field music, words & performance on Sunday

Wire Worms: Performing their “Doom Folk” music at YO Underground on Sunday at The Basement

YORK arts collective Navigators Art will play host to its second YO Underground experimental night on Sunday at The Basement, City Screen Picturehouse, York.

This weekend’s performance showcase will feature Wire Worms, the Leeds Doom Folk five-piece, whose dark, folk-rooted but boundary-stretching debut album, The First To Come In, explores weird, supernatural and experimental notions, inspired by the traditions of Mumming and Guising found throughout the British Isles.

On the 6pm to 9pm bill too will be Fin O’Hare, who improvises with DIY mechanical devices and repurposed and recycled objects; Some Crew musician Si Micklethwaite; storyteller Lara McClure; Bobby Olley, Muttley and NDE Poetry. For tickets, go to: bit.ly/nav-YOU2.

“The YO Underground title is apt, not only because our venue is The Basement at City Screen Picturehouse,” says Navigators Art co-founder Richard Kitchen. “The format will be familiar from the group’s popular Basement Sessions but features original music, spoken word and comedy with a more experimental edge than usual.

Navigators Art’s poster artwork for YO Underground’s second night of live and left-field music, words and performance

“It’s a platform for local and regional performers whose work may wander off the beaten track but definitely deserves an audience. New and emerging artists will have equal billing with more established names.”

The first YO Underground bill on March 15 presented Say Owt Slam winner and Newcastle stand-up poet Cooper Robson; Leeds Conservatoire performance artist and writer Carrieanne Vivianette; inspiring young poet Oliver Lewis; University of York champion beatboxer Cast; genre-crossing psych-folk musical duo Gorgo, from York St John University,  and internationally renowned singer Loré Lixenberg.

“I first met Cooper at a Howlers open-mic night at the Blue Boar in York and he’s become extremely popular with his in-your-face style of performing,” says Richard. “It was a real coup to get Loré Lixenberg to do something so informal. That was major news for us.

“People were knocked out by the show, seeing performers trying out something different. What I liked was that it was very much a  platform for performers to experiment with something they might not have done elsewhere.

Bobby Olley: York poet and songwriter taking part in YO Underground on Sunday

“It’s a bit of a departure from the Basement Sessions, our music, comedy and spoken-word venture, which is doing fine and we’ll continue with that series, but it becomes more difficult to find new acts that haven’t been booked in elsewhere already, so we thought we should do something more left field as well and see how that goes.”

Buoyed by the success of the first night, Richard has pencilled in an October date, with the possibility of another night before then too. “We’re lining up York electronic musician John Tuffen and talking to Leeds musician Pefkin about taking part,” he says.

He does not want to pigeonhole the kind of acts that might play a YO Underground showcase. “I think definitive labels are a mistake, as there’ll be crossovers, but we have been trying to seek out acts who are obviously attempting something different in what they do, doing something that’s a little ‘wayward’,” he says.   

 “Maybe performers who are challenging to audiences in York, whereas Leeds and Sheffield already have an alternative scene for cutting-edge acts. We’ve been given good links to artists from Sheffield and Leeds, comedians from Newcastle, for example, who are edgy in terms of content or style of presentation.

Lara McClure: Spinning stories on the YO Underground bill

“Those links allow us to fill the next couple of events, and once word gets out about YO Underground, maybe it will also be a case of performers being courageous and saying, ‘well, I do this, how about me?’.”

Richard is delighted that Navigators Art has built up such a fruitful relationship with City Screen Picturehouse for events and exhibitions. “We’re thankful particularly thankful to [City Screen general manager] Cath Sharp and to all the staff, who are always very welcoming,” he says.

“We started using The Basement after Covid, when no-one else was using it, and we did our first event for the York Festival of Ideas there a couple of years ago. That going things rolling again in there, so it’s been mutually beneficial.”

On May 9, Navigators Art will present Opened Ground, A Creative Tribute To Seamus Heaney, devised and curated by Oliver Lewis at The Basement from 7pm to 10pm.

“We’re very big on spoken-word, and last October we held a creative exploration of York-born poet  W H Auden in our Co-Audenation night of spoken word, live music and performance art at The Basement,” says Richard.

Oliver Lewis: University of York poet curating Navigators Art’s Seamus Heaney night, Opened Ground, on May 9

“On the spur of the moment , we were talking about poets and reflecting on the Auden night, and we thought, ‘that went really well, let’s do another one’. This one is being curated by Oliver Lewis, an extremely promising writer, aged 20, who’s studying at York St John and has a couple of books out already.

“I came across him at Howlers, where we just got talking and I realised we had something in common, so he took part in the first YO Underground.”

Lewis has lined up a bill of Mexborough love poet Ian Parks; folk duo Where The Deer Go; York-based Irish poet and teacher Aimée Donnell, whose first collection, We Are All Creatures Of Struggle, was published by Olympia, on March 13; White Sail’s Jane Stockdale, setting Heaney poems to music, and York mythical/mystical duo Adderstone, performing a condensed version of Sweeney, their interpretation of Heaney’s work in music and song. Lewis himself will perform with musician Christian Bell in a collaboration premiering new works. 

“The idea of the evening is that it’s a creative response to Heaney’s writing, so there’ll be a combination of readings, interpretations of his poems and material inspired by his poetry,” says Richard. Box office: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/navigators-art-performance/opened-ground/.

Looking ahead, he adds: “Navigators Art encourages innovation, improvisation and collaboration, as well as excellence, and would like to hear from performers in any medium who might suit future events.” Email navigatorsart@gmail.com or follow @navigatorsart on Facebook and Instagram.

Navigators Art’s poster for Opened Ground at The Basement, City Screen Picturehouse on May 9

What’s the story, evening glory, as York’s storytelling scene rises at Bluebird Bakery for devilish Adderstone and Tim Ralphs

Tim Ralphs: Wild reimagining of folktale, fairytale and urban legend at Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb, on Friday

ANOTHER storytelling evening in York? What the devil is going on?

Find out on Friday when York alt-folk storytelling duo Adderstone host Infernal Delights, an evening of stories and songs exploring the underworld and diabolic deeds at Rise@Bluebird Bakery,Acomb.

Joining Adderstone on the 8.30pm bill will be Nottingham stand-up storyteller Tim Ralphs, performing his Rebranding Beelzebub show to a York audience for the first time. 

“Unlike most cities, York has not had an established storytelling scene for many years, but there are signs this is changing,” says Adderstone’s Gemma McDermott, who sees green shoots of a vibrant storytelling scene arising in York.

“There certainly seems to be a new appetite for a story. We’ve told our tales all over York, but there isn’t a dedicated storytelling club like there is in most cities. Maybe that’ll change?”

Gemma continues: “The Theatre Royal has been bringing storytellers to its Studio for years, but it’s great to see a scene developing that blends different influences.

“To name just a few examples: Lara McClure, who gathers packed houses in all sorts of venues with her outrageous tales of wanton goddesses; Say Owt, who have just celebrated ten years of their cutting-edge spoken-word events that have nurtured so many budding storyteller-poets.

“Experimental collectives like Navigators Art & Performance and The Good Room, who produce theatrical and gothic experiences for audiences. And a big shout-out to the independent venues like Rise, The Arts Barge and The Crescent that are hosting storytelling events and that suit the genre so well.”

In Rebranding Beelzebubshot through with diabolical horror, absurd confessions and humour fit for the unholy, Tim Ralphs will shine a spotlight on Him Downstairs, Old Nick, Beelzebub, the Devil himself, to see if he might just be ready for a rebrand.

“Have you seen the cloven hoof prints on the cellar steps? Have you heard the fiddle player cursing? Can you smell the scent of burning secrets?” he asks. “In this wild reimagining of folktale, fairytale and urban legend, I exhume the bones of ancient Devil stories and stitch them into new skins for fresh consumption. This grand collection spans supermarket stalls, urban sprawls, mad drunken preachers, and widow’s sons with dark humour and a distinct whiff of sulphur.”

Adderstone’s Gemma McDermott and Cath Heinemeyer: Hosting a descent into the underworld for a storytelling evening of darkly devilish delights

Adderstone’s Gemma McDermott and Cath Heinemeyer will guide Friday’s audience downwards to meet Ralphs’ wild underworld with songs and stories of ancient pacts, the troubles of crones and the dangers of beasts in their Songs To Meet The Darkness opening set.

Rise, the evening event hub of Acomb’s Bluebird Bakery, has become a fulcrum for storytelling with a licensed bar and menu additions. Over the past year, as well as bringing Ben Haggarty and other nationally renowned storytellers to York, the cafe has played host to regular storytelling performances by Lara McClure. 

Owner Nicky Kippax says: “We opened Rise@Bluebird in late 2023 and it’s grown into a brilliant space for all sorts of events and performances. We’re thrilled that there’s an appetite for the sort of evening where an audience can relax with good food and drink and have a real connection with performers.

“We host all sorts of acts, from live music and dance nights to theatre and art exhibitions, but poetry and storytelling are a big part of what we do. I think the intimate atmosphere at Rise provides a unique experience that you wouldn’t get in a bigger space.”

Adderstone’s Cath Heinemeyer explains what differentiates storytelling from other kinds of performance: “Believe it or not, I actually have a PhD in storytelling! And what I have found in all my work is that although the story might be about a magical being or a far-off land, there are always themes that resonate with the problems of this moment in time and land with the listener, whoever they are,” she says.

“Adderstone uses songs and music to help tell the story, but essentially it’s about having contact with the people listening, and really, that’s what storytelling is about. It’s not a theatre show with loads of lights and cues and large props.

“It’s about a moment in time with that particular audience; no two shows are the same. You get the feel of what part of the story is resonating with the people in front of you and go with that.”

Gemma adds: “With Christmas now feeling far behind us but a fairly long slog of winter still to go, what could be better than coming into the warm cosy space of a bakery, ordering a beer and maybe a cheese platter and settling down to an evening’s telling?

“So, come and grab a glass of something nice, and see what it’s all about. Maybe you’ll hear a story you didn’t know or see a new way of looking at an old favourite. Whatever happens, it’s going to be a devilishly delightful evening.”

Adderstone and Tim Ralphs, Infernal Delights, Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb, York, Friday, 7.30pm doors for 8.30pm start. Age guidance: 12 upwards. Box office: ticketsource.co.uk/adderstone/infernal-delights/e-xjjber.

Navigators Art to mark Twelfth Night with feast of music and stories at Black Swan Inn

Lara McClure: Atmospheric storytelling at A Feast Of Fools II

YORK collective Navigators Art presents A Feast Of Fools II, a last gasp of mischief to mark the curtain closing on the festive holiday on January 5 at the Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York.

“Welcome to our second alternative end-of-season celebration of Twelfth Night and Old Christmas, packed with live folk music, spoken word and a nod to the pagan and the impish,” says artist and co-founder Richard Kitchen.

Henry Parker: York singer and guitarist

“Flushed with Edinburgh Fringe success, Dr Lara McClure will set the scene with some atmospheric storytelling. We’re also delighted to welcome two acclaimed York musicians: Oli Collier, with a walk on the dark side, and singer, guitarist and rising star Henry Parker.”

On the 7pm to 10.30pm bill too will be York alt-folk legends White Sail, who return from last year’s event with new material, and doing likewise will be poet and experimental musician Thomas Pearson.

“Last year’s show sold out, so be sure to grab your tickets before they’re gone,” advises Richard. Booking in advance is recommended at bit.ly/nav-feast2. Doors open at 6.30pm.

Navigators Art’s poster for A Feast Of Fools II

Open Swim promises lush music, wild stories and wise words but no swimming, please, on The Arts Barge on Friday

Adderstone’s Cath Heinemeyer and Gemma McDermott: Wild swimmers, alt-folk duo and organisers of Open Swim on The Arts Barge

YORK’S floating venue, The Arts Barge, will be flowing with music and words at a special river-theme themed gig on Friday night at Foss Basin.

“The barge, alias Selby Tony, has woken up from its winter sleep and is ready for action,” says Arts Barge coordinator Hannah West. “It’s all aboard for Open Swim – but with no swimming allowed!”

In a joyous “aquatic feast of lush music, wild stories, wise words and all-round exquisite vibes”, the 7pm to 11pm bill comprises alt-folk duo Adderstone; multi-instrumentalists White Sail; storyteller and hypnotherapist Lara McClure’s strange tale of aquatic beasts, York slam champ Hannah Davies’s riverside poems; Navigators Art co-founder Richard Kitchen’s poem invoking York’s rivers and Amy-Jane Beer’s stories of paddling along Britain’s rivers.

Poet Hannah Davies by the riverside in York

Ticket sale proceeds from Open Swim will go to Right to Roam, a charity that campaigns for better access to wild spaces. On the night, there will be the chance to buy a signed copy of Right to Roam’s hot-off-the-press new book, Wild Service, featuring a contribution by nature writer Beer.

“Rivers should be safe and accessible for swimmers, paddlers and other water users, both human and wild,” says the Right to Roam campaigner. “But only three per cent of the UK’s rivers have an uncontested right of access, and as we know, sewage and agricultural pollution mean that most of those are in poor health.

“Our own wellbeing is dependent on theirs. We need to reconnect with our rivers, to be able to care for them and fight for them. That’s why the book is called Wild Service, and this gig is an act of wild service.”

Kai West’s poster artwork for Friday’s Open Swim on The Arts Barge

Sewage…agricultural pollution…rivers in poor health: no wonder Open Swim is not a swimming invitation! Catherine Heinemeyer, one half of gig organisers Adderstone, comments:  “It’s wonderful to imagine a time when water companies have cleaned up their act and York’s rivers are beautiful clean places to swim – but alas, that’s not the case right now!

“As wild swimmers ourselves, we wanted to host an event to highlight the wild watery spaces we all love. And what better place to host a water-themed gig than the river itself?

“The Arts Barge is a wonderful local project that York is very proud of and we’re so excited to see it move closer to its full potential. Please come along and be enchanted by the wonderful line-up of musicians and artists we have put together, but please don’t bring your cossie!”

Richard Kitchen: Poet, artist and Navigators Art & Performance’s co-founder

All artists have agreed not to take a fee, thereby maximising the gig proceeds, with donations and bar takings going to The Arts Barge. “We’re totally reliant on volunteers and donations, and this summer we’re aiming to build the long-awaited deckhouse to create a covered area on the deck to finally stop the rain getting in,” says Hannah

“This will be a big step forwards towards becoming the fully accessible community arts space York has imagined and come to love. See the story and look out for future events this summer at www.artsbarge.com.”

Running /swimming order

Part 1: 7.30pm, Amy-Jane Beer and Adderstone , intertwined . 8.15pm, short break.

Part 2, Spoken word. 8.35pm, Richard Kitchen; 8.45pm, Lara McClure; 9.05pm, Hannah Davies. 9.25pm, short break.

Part 3: 9.45pm, White Sail; 10.25pm, The Parting Glass (all performers). 11pm, goodnight.

Tickets cost £8.50 from Eventbrite, via www.artsbarge.com/events, or £10 on the door.