Another week, another playlist. Two rising local stars and a copper-bottomed 90s classic out on tour. Because, hey, who doesn't need a bit of nostalgia? vocal.media/beat/playlis...

Another playlist, with a preview of a great upcoming album from @thatclare.bsky.social, reflections on catching Jordan Aikin and Quercus in concert and a new direction for Hector Gannet. Read more at vocal.media/beat/playlis... and share at will!

We all need a bit of a laugh under February's grey skies, so check out Gavin Webster's tour this week. And have a read of this interview, touching on NE comedy heritage and why Viz is up there with the best. Read, share, subscribe! talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/gavin-webs...

I used to do these quite a lot. So, with a couple of gigs booked this weekend, I thought I'd revive my playlists. Electrofolk from Frankie Archer, musical storytelling from @samslatcher.bsky.social (+words from @lizzielovejoy.bsky.social) and Scandi strangeness: vocal.media/beat/playlis...

First Talking Northeast feature of the year, and we're looking at April 11, a recently-opened venture in Durham - just the place for quality local crafts and a friendly atmosphere. Read more from Miranda and Bethany at talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/april-11-d...

A fantastic photo collection from @mariegardiner.bsky.social explores the romantic ruins of the North Pennines. Check out her thoughts at talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/changing-l... and add a copy of the zine to your Christmas lists!

High quality experimental sounds in Sunderland this weekend at the ever-excellent Boundaries festival. Preview here: talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/boundaries...

Small venues are facing big problems. Yet these are the very fabric of our cultural life - far more so than oversized, overpriced arenas. So it's encouraging to see efforts to keep Middlesbrough's Disgraceland afloat: talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/saving-dis...

Underwhelmed with the Mercury Prize in Newcastle last night? Fortunately, the Mercury Fringe was much more fun - and probably more valuable for the local music scene. Bit of a blog about it here: vocal.media/beat/mercury... @poprecsltd.bsky.social @musicvenuetrust.bsky.social

Had a top night in Sacriston, listening to Driven Serious and @millsandfarrell.bsky.social in the atmospheric surroundings of the Old Church. Small-scale, intimate, but full of beauty and energy. The photos don't do it justice, the review might: vocal.media/beat/gig-rev...

Feels like a good moment to repost my review of the excellent Constant Noise by @benefitstheband.bsky.social TL;DR - it's a loud slice of what we need right now. Full review: vocal.media/beat/benefit...

Life after mining. Art. Videos. Sound installation. Lots of good stuff to enjoy at Going Back Brockens in Sunderland Museum. More at vocal.media/art/going-ba... @narbiprice.bsky.social @buildingculture.bsky.social @wemakeculture.bsky.social @nomorenowt.bsky.social @thecrackmagazine.bsky.social

A bit more from Horden, where Ensemble 84 is doing exciting things on stage. Here's a review of the most recent production, Pits, People and Players, which reached the end of its run at the weekend: vocal.media/geeks/pits-p...

Going Back Brockens is in its final week at Horden church. Meanwhile, looking back at where it began - a disused warehouse in a Bishop Auckland shopping centre - offers ideas about regenerating town centres. More at talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/newgate-wa...

Another write-up about Going Back Brockens, this time in North East Bylines: @narbiprice.bsky.social @nomorenowt.bsky.social @buildingculture.bsky.social

Exciting times for art in Bishop Auckland with the opening of Going Back Brockens last week. Click for an interview with artist @narbiprice.bsky.social about his work. More at talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/going-back...

One from an occasional series about interesting pubs. The Pele in Corbridge is a cracker - 700 years old, built to protect a nervous vicar from Border raids, and now a fine spot for a quick pint. More at vocal.media/proof/mine-s...

Recently had the pleasure of a quick chat with Jeff Brown after reviewing The Bench at Durham's Gala Theatre. Plenty about the importance of live performance - and the need to bring it beyond traditional stages. More at talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/plays-to-t...

So, some people kicked a ball around for a bit yesterday. Some of us got a bit excited. Red-and-White striped waffling available here: vocal.media/cleats/why-w...

It must be at least 15 years since I last reviewed a play. Until yesterday, when I got to see The Bench at Durham's Gala Theatre for @thereviewshub.bsky.social. Enjoyable show, accessible and thought-provoking. You can check out my review here: www.thereviewshub.com/the-bench-ga...

As a kid, I grew up over the road from William. This was a fascinating chance to discover more about his poetry in a fantastic new anthology jointly edited by @jakecampbell88.bsky.social and Peter Armstrong. Well worth checking out if you've an interest in contemporary poetry, or northern England.

So, from time to time I'm motivated to review music. @benefitstheband.bsky.social latest album, Constant Noise, was just the motivation. A modern-day Dante's Inferno, perhaps? Read, listen, buy a copy and decide: vocal.media/beat/benefit...

Had a great time last night at the launch of Between the Salt and the Ash by @jakecampbell88.bsky.social. Only had time to skim my copy so far, but it's full of good things. And hard not to love a travelogue that (briefly) visits the cul-de-sac where I grew up in Sunderland!

Was great to work with @northeastbylines.co.uk on this article. The upcoming exhibition in Newcastle promises to be a powerful response to an often-overlooked failure in child services.

Why can't a former pit village have its own art gallery? In Ushaw Moor, County Durham, that's exactly what's happening this half term. Grassroots culture, gotta love it! Read more at talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/great-big-... #community #art #Durham

Saturday night, pub night? If you're anywhere near Hartlepool, this might be one to check out. The Princess Helena, colourfully proving that pubs still have a role to play. Read more at talkingnortheast.substack.com/p/the-prince... #pubs #hartlepool