Mark Sheeky Artworks

About this event

One of a series of experimental art performance, music and poetry nights at Wistaston Memorial Hall, curated and organised by Mark Sheeky and Deborah Edgeley. The theme of the evening was Felines. Mark Sheeky sang his Cat Phone Song to open the evening. Carol Finch then read a few poems about family history and superstition. Martin Rivers played some electric guitar with a looper and effects to create a Tangerine Dream-like ambient soundscape.

John Shapter played some electronic music called Feline Groovy; flute, strings, with cat purr sounds that produced a hypnotic soundscape evocative of nature or something otherworldly. Claire Bassi read an extended poem about cats and the start of a sonic piece, Cat Art. Nicholas Ferenczy sang Ziggy Stardust due to its cat reference, read a poem, and performed an experimental song/poem with sound effects from acoustic guitar. Deborah Edgeley and Mark Sheeky performed a short sketch by Deborah about two suburban cats, discussing life, humans, and the discomfort of sub-dermal microchips.

We Are Nomad were special guests after the break, and their songs (which were not cat related) were followed by three poems by John Lindley, including one premiere. Mark Sheeky performed a song with electric guitar called Let's Dance Little Squirrel, the first time Mark had attempted a song with guitar. Moragh Carter then read a touching, 21 year life-story of her tortoise-shell cat. John Wilson ended the regular section with a slideshow of many different cat species with synchronised music.

Helen Kay then read two poems with still images; including one from her puppet alter-ego Nigella. The night ended with a quiz to choose the next theme, which became Religion, a fun a sing-along to the Top Cat theme. Overall this was one of the most eclectic and creative ArtSwarm events to date and was well attended despite the stormy weather.