Guildford Arts Exhibition: Jan Dagley & Sarah Simmonds-Gooding

The Guildford Institute and Guildford Arts are pleased to present their recent exhibition in their Assembly Room. Join us to view the great work of local artists:

JAN DAGLEY

Jan’s work is either in response to poetry or to fragrance. She is particularly interested in synaestheisa where one sense activates another sense or senses and  recently collaborated with a perfume house in Dorset for a large one-man show. She is interested in analysing the colours, shapes, textures and sounds of fragrances as a springboard for her work.  Her paintings are usually oil on canvas although she sometimes works on board and uses mixed media for specific effects.

SARAH SIMMONDS-GOODING

Sarah’s work is based around pattern and order to try and make sense of the muddle that is often real life. The little individual pieces are an ongoing art diary reflecting memories, feelings and observations, drawn from a state of mind rather than a specific location or reality. She then collates the individual squares together to create a type of patchwork blanket or tapestry reflecting moments over a life. The miniature scale of the individual pieces invites the viewer to move inwards, the gaze is encouraged to slow down and  invite curiosity of one’s own mental states. Her interest has been formed by her own personal experience with mental illness and the art she now produces acts as a way to calm her mind, a sort of meditation. Her art has taken her into a new and exciting direction which she is thoroughly enjoying.

Evening access is available but call ahead to check accessibility – 01483 562142

Microphone and stand

Music Night: Abi Powell & Matt Keddie – E090

The Guildford Institute are pleased to welcome more great, local talent.
The bar will be open from 6.30pm and throughout the event. There will be a scheduled interval.

Tickets can be purchased on the night but preferably booked in advance.

Abi Powell

Abi Powell is a soulful acoustic guitar player with a voice as gritty as it is captivating. Drawing inspiration from the timeless sounds of Amy Winehouse, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and beyond, Abi brings a unique blend of passion, nostalgia, and raw emotion to every performance.

Their acoustic renditions of classic songs, combined with an unmistakable voice that resonates with authenticity, have garnered them a growing following. With influences ranging from jazz and Motown to rock and pop, Abi’s sound is both timeless and modern, offering a fresh take on beloved tracks while staying true to their roots.

See more HERE

Matt Keddie

Matt, dubbed as a “Loop Pedal Virtuoso” by some, enchants audiences across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire with his performances. With his skillful use of the loop pedal, Matt’s unique renditions of popular tunes promise an unforgettable experience.

Alternatively to a gig of a variety of covers from many artists, Matt also offers a special tribute to Ed Sheeran. Drawing from Ed’s extensive repertoire spanning multiple albums, Matt delivers a tribute that captures the essence and energy of Sheeran’s performances. From soulful ballads such as ‘Perfect’ to upbeat anthems like ‘Castle on the Hill’, Matt’s tribute show promises to transport you to the heart of an authentic Ed Sheeran concert experience. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for a night of fantastic music, his Ed Sheeran-inspired show will ensure your event is nothing short of extraordinary.

See more HERE

 

Music Nights kindly sponsored by Andertons Music Co.

Music Night: Hedge Inspectors & Heavy Stomp (E088)

The Guildford Institute are pleased to share an evening of brilliant, local talent from:

Hedge Inspectors

Mike and Caroline, aka The Hedge Inspectors, are an acoustic duo based in Hampshire. They perform original songs on a variety of instruments- drawing from multiple genres, to reflect their eclectic musical influences.

Their songs move from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again, with subjects derived from ‘true’ situations and the human condition. They thrive on audience participation, so expect to be singing and shouting along !

Find out more at – https://www.unplugthewood.com/thehedgeinspectors

See a video clip here

Heavy Stomp: Alex MacDonald 

The world’s heaviest one-man band !

Enjoy the very best of your favourite rock and pop classics from this talented , local artist. This solo-act brings the mighty sound of a full band that is all live, with no loopers or backing tracks!

With the helpful know-how of pedal circuitry and experience in adapting performances, Alex has now turned into a staple and popular act across Surrey’s gigging circuit!
From 50’s rock ‘n’ roll to present day, you will enjoy a great night of entertainment for all.

See a video clip here

BOOKING IS AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR AS WELL AS IN ADVANCE.

A POP-UP BAR WILL BE OPERATING FROM 6.30PM AND DURING THE ENTERTAINMENT (CASH AND CARD ACCEPTED/THERE WILL BE AN INTERVAL)

Guildford Institute Music Night: The Flamenco Thief – E089

Craig Sutton, aka “The Flamenco Thief”, is an English instrumentalist who blends fingerstyle and percussive guitar techniques to produce a classic-contemporary Mediterranean sound with lashings of South-American substance. His music incorporates Spanish acoustic, Latin, rumba, and bosa nova with hip-hop and electronica.

With a career spanning 14 years, 4 albums, and numerous tours in Europe, Asia, and South America, he has established himself as a respected artist within the independent music scene. His music features a unique hybrid palette of classic instrumental sounds and digital elements that appeal to diverse cultures. Craig’s philosophy of experimenting and trying new things is evident in his album’s progressive journey, from showcasing his raw musicianship to featuring full instrumental sections.

The Flamenco Thief will be playing two 45-minute sets on the night, with a selection of solo loop and songs featuring guest musicians.

Hear some of Flamenco Thief’s music at: https://youtu.be/j40C6SrxkXU

https://www.theflamencothief.com

https://www.reinisjaunais.com

The bar will be open from 6.30pm and throughout the evening. Light snack available & cash/card accepted.

Music Nights kindly sponsored by Andertons Music Co.

GI Film Screenings: Breakfast at Tiffany’s – E085

Join us for tea, coffee and biscuits with a chance to socialise with others before enjoying this afternoon film offering.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the story of a young woman, Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn, who navigates her way through the café society of 1940s New York.
The film offers an entertaining look through her unusual and precarious lifestyle revealing a need for personal freedom but a yearning for a sense of belonging and a true home.

Doors open & refreshments served: 2.45pm
Film showing: 3pm

Running time: 1hr 55 mins.

Music Night with Tristan Seume – E083

The Guildford Institute is pleased to welcome Tristan Seume, acclaimed as one of the UK’s leading acoustic guitarists. He has toured all over Europe both as a soloist and a sought-after accompanist. His solo recordings, You Just Know, Middle Child and Handpicked From the Eighties, mix handcrafted originals with beautiful interpretations of traditional and contemporary tunes.

As an in-demand side-man, he has played countless shows accompanying some of the foremost voices on the UK folk scene and he runs regular workshops supporting musical education of others.
Join us for this enjoyable night of music.

Listen to Tristain HERE

Find out more at www.tristanseume.com

 

Music Nights kindly sponsored by Andertons Music Co.

 

Town Crier: Something to Shout About – T341 (Face to Face)

Jonathan was the Farnham Town Crier for 17 years (from 2003) and will present this entertaining and informative talk in full regalia.

He will give a fascinating look at the history of Town Criers, which can be traced back to at least medieval times. You will also learn more about their uniform, daily duties, competitions and how Jonathan, himself, was appointed.

Free Event: Open Mic Night

PERFORMER SLOTS FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOW FULL BUT TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST OR FUTURE EVENTS PLEASE EMAIL
amymason@guildford-institute.org.uk

Once again the Institute opens its doors to welcome musicians, singers, poets and comedians to come along and give it a go, whether experienced or just starting out!

A full PA and lights will be provided and a beautiful Bechstein grand piano will also be available to play.

A licensed bar will be open from 7pm and throughout the event.

Book your free space and/or performer slot in advance.

Members’ Christmas Reception – E082 (Face to Face)

Join Institute staff, Trustees and volunteers for a social event to celebrate the festive season.

Listen to live music from talented pianist, Trevor Burch, whilst you enjoy a minced pie and glass of mulled wine.

This is an event for Guildford Institute members only

WOTW: Dropping the Habit – T337 (Face to Face)

Marion always knew she would be a nun. At the age of 14, she left home and started her training to become a Salesian Sister. Fired with the desire to save souls she eventually became a nun and a successful teacher and spent many happy and eventful years in the convent.

Leaving the convent 33 years later, Marion wrote her autobiography, Dropping the Habit, a gripping, honest book in which she opens the door to the convent and bares her soul. This talk will give her the chance to tell you her story in person.

WOTW: From Claremont to Cairo: The Remarkable Lucie Duff Gordon (1821–1869) – T336 (Face to Face)

Lucie is very little remembered today, but she deserves to be much more celebrated as a former local resident. She was an exciting author and translator in her own right; then, as mother and wife, her home in Esher became the happy focal point for a group of illustrious writers and thinkers.

Lucie was destined for ill-health, and the story of her transition from talented upper-class Victorian lady to unconventional world traveler and writer, defying the limits of her worsening TB, is astonishing and moving. Local historians Sue and Alfred will tell this story with the use of diary excerpts.

WOTW- A is for Arsenic – T335 (Face to Face)

Agatha Christie revelled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; using them more frequently and accurately than any other crime writer. This talk looks at how she used her extensive knowledge of drugs and medicines mixed with real life cases to create brilliantly plotted crime novels. We will look at howdunnit, but whodunnit is for you to find out!

Kathryn is a former chemist who has turned writer and science communicator. Her interests are in anything gothic, gory and geeky, and preferably all three!

WOTW – Family History in the Digital Age – T333 (Face to Face)

*PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS A NEW DATE FROM THAT LISTED IN THE PRINTED BROCHURE

We are living through a period of rapid change as a result of the digital revolution and the rise of generative artificial intelligence. This has implications for the way we research, share and publish our family histories.

Nick worked behind the scenes on the TV series Who Do You Think You Are? and will answer questions such as, how safe are the platforms we work on? Who owns the content? Can we rely on DNA to connect to long-lost families around the world? He will explore these challenges, as well the amazing opportunities.

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