Exclusive jazz, post hard-core bands, jiggling to music for tots, riding inflatable rings down a slope with the kids, and of course the celebrations to mark Chinese New Year - there’s something for everyone around town over the next couple of weeks. Here’s Cherry Pullinger’s pick of the crop.
Hopefully you've recovered from a fun-packed week, and have checked out at least one or two of my suggestions from last week’s column. This time I've got a fortnight's worth of events for you to get involved with. Do let me know in the comments if you've attended one of the events suggested by me, and what you thought of it. And please feel free to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with suggestions of your own to include next time. Don’t forget, there’s also a calendar on the site for you to add your own local events, too.
4th Feb 2011
We're kicking off the weekend with the Ben Allison band live at Turner Sims on Friday 4th February. Bassist Ben Allison has been hailed by the JazzTimes as a visionary composer and a force on the New York jazz scene. The night will begin at 7pm with accompanying music from Popular Music students from the University of Southampton. Tickets are Ł16.
5th Feb
There's more music for you on Saturday 5th Feb with The Hold Steady performing at the Joiners music venue, St Marys Street. Taking to the stage at 8pm, the Brooklyn-based group will bring their riff-induced brand of rock to the stage, with Wintersleep as their main support. Tickets are Ł15.50 in advance and Ł18 on the door.
6th Feb
Sunday 6th Feb is going to be a fun-filled day for all the family, as Chinese New Year celebrations get underway in Southampton. To mark the special occasion, there’ll be many market stores in the town centre selling Chinese food and delicacies. At 11am, outside the Civic Centre, the Mayor of Southampton will perform the traditional 'dim jing' ceremony, which will then be followed by a dragon dance, unicorn dance, and lion dance. Finally, at 12:30pm the dragon will parade through the city, stopping at the Bargate demonstration area. This will be followed by a martial arts display by Alan Gibson’s Wing Chun Kung Fu group, which meets at St Denys Community Centre (see 15th Feb for more on these classes).
One of the best things about this event is of course the price... it will cost you precisely nothing to attend!
7th Feb
If you fancy a fun evening out with the kids after your hard day at work, why not try out 'Ringos' at Southampton Alpine Centre on Monday 7th Feb from 6pm-9pm. Large inflatable rings can be ridden down a variety of tracks and slopes up to 90 metres long, complete with bumps and bends of all kinds. It's great fun for families and groups of friends, certainly something different - and you'll have a right laugh.
8th Feb
Mothers and babies might like to head to 'Jiggy Wrigglers' at St Denys Community Centre on Tuesday 8th February. It costs just Ł3 a session, and promises a great movement and music class for tots. They can sing along to songs, 'jiggle' to music and 'wriggle' to rhymes - while mum can socialise with other parents. The session starts at 10am.
9th Feb
Something for the kids again today as The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex is offering diving lessons for beginners. Children aged between 6 and 13, who can swim 25 metres unaided and without goggles, are welcome to apply for the diving lessons on Wednesday 9th February between 5:30 and 6pm. It's a great opportunity to build up your child's swimming strengths, and keep them active!
10th Feb
If you've been glued to Dancing on Ice on Sunday evenings then you might enjoy Swan Lake on Ice at The Mayflower theatre on Thursday 10th February. Presented by The Imperial Ice Stars as part of their award-winning world tour, you’ll get to experience their interpretation of the famous ballet. The show will kick off at 7:30pm.
11th Feb
The weekend is very nearly here and you can see it in with five live bands at the Soul Cellar, West Marlands Road, on Friday 11th February as part of Alan McGee's Greasy Lips Club. The Gallery, The Novatones, Remote Control, Moody Tuesday and Kitchen Sink Dramas will all take to the stage as part of one gig kicking off at 9pm. Tickets: Ł7.
12th Feb
For a relaxed and cultured weekend, head to the John Hansard Gallery at the University of Southampton, on Saturday 12th February to view artist Charlotte Posenenske's work.The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, steel wall based structures and cardboard constructions for which Charlotte was best known.
13th Feb
If you're sick of hearing cries of “I'm bored!” from your children then you can send them to the teenage Youth Club at the Church of the Ascension, Thorold Road on Sunday 13th February. From 6pm, teens can enjoy crafts and games as well as a variety of different activities.
14th Feb
Happy Valentine’s Day to all the lovers in Southampton! There are plenty of restaurants around the city that are offering special Valentine’s Day deals for loved-up couples. Head to ASK restaurant for a three course set meal for Ł16.95 per person, while La Margherita is offering a three course meal with a free glass of wine on arrival for Ł29.95 per person.
For an alternative date night, head to The Joiners, St Marys Street, to witness the sounds of Little Comets who are touring in support of their brand new album 'In Search of elusive Little Comets.' They take to the stage at 7:30pm with tickets at just Ł6 in advance.
15th Feb
If you fancy putting all that work and family stress behind you, you can attend the Wing Chun Kung Fu lessons at St Denys Community Centre on Tuesday 15th February. Classes are run by Alan Gibson, who always welcomes beginners from 8pm to 9:30pm, with each lesson costing Ł6. There's also a demo by the Bargate on Sunday 6th as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations - see above.
Alternatively, you can head to Southampton's Guildhall to see Britpop band Ocean Colour Scene who take to the stage to perform a flurry of their hits. Tickets are Ł23.50.
16th Feb
Calling all women runners! Why not join the Southampton Running Sisters who meet every Wednesday at 6:45pm, ready to run at 7pm. On Wednesday 16th February they'll all be meeting outside Southampton Solent University and they welcome all new members. You can go for a run without having to join the club right away, and if you do decide to join, membership is Ł15.
17th Feb
Again, I have another cultural experience for you at the Southampton City Art Gallery: their exhibitions run all year long, so for something to do on Thursday 17th February, whether you’re old or young, head there to see exhibitions and displays from ancient culture to the cutting-edge. The Gallery is internationally renowned for its impressive art collection, spanning six centuries of European art history. Entrance to the gallery is free and it's open from 10am every day.
18th Feb
Rock music fans unite, as New Jersey-based post-hardcore band Senses Fail take to The Joiners’ stage, St Marys Street on Friday 18th February. It's been a long time since Senses Fail graced these shores so the gig is bound to be packed out with fans who will be eager to hear tracks taken from the band’s new album 'The Fire.' Tickets will be Ł10 in advance and Ł12 on the door, but it will definitely be money well spent! The gig kicks off at 7:30pm.
Until next time
Cherry Pullinger
Pics: Cherry Pullinger /bitternepark.info.
You can This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you’d like your event to be considered for the next column.
Don’t forget you can also add your events to our site calendar: just create a freee login and then follow the What's On menu link.