Merthyr Express column

09 Oct 08
Young Talent
Young people from across Merthyr Tydfil will soon be performing at “Merthyr’s Got Talent”, where those aged 14 – 25, from various communities across the borough will be celebrating National Youth Work Week, at Strikers. There will be group and solo performances covering a range of art forms including music, singing, live bands, dance, drama and comedy. All acts need to register prior to the event. Entry into the event is by ticket only to monitor numbers, but tickets are free of charge. Come along and see the performances at 6 – 9pm on Tuesday 4th November. The event is presented by Merthyr Tydfil Youth Service and Intergrated Adult Services, for further information please contact Lesley Jones on 01685 727085 lesley.jones@merthyr.gov.uk Elizabeth Roberts on 01685 721747 elizabeth.roberts@merthyr.gov.uk

Youth Music
Welsh language band Mattoidz play a live set at the Canolfan Gymraeg (Welsh Language Centre) as part of Youth Work Week. The performance will take place at 3.30pm on Sunday 2nd November and is free entry. For further information please contact Sion or Jamie on 01685 722176. Emerging from the Preseli mountains in Pembrokeshire, Mattoidz played their first gig as support to Gruff Rhys of SFA after winning a battle of the bands contest. The band then recorded a session for Radio Cymru and released their first EP in 2003 on the Rasp label which secured early airplay and media attention. In 2004 the band played over 100 gigs in 18 months and built a strong fanbase. Mattoidz subsequently released the single Y Dyn Telesales - a song about a Telesales man selling timeshares in Rhyl. The single was nominated for single of the year by Radio Cymru and the video (directed by Daf Palfrey) was voted as the best of the year by Maes-e.com users. In 2005, Mattoidz released their debut album Edrych Yn Well O Bell (Look Better From a Distance). The album was nominated for album of the year in the 2006 Radio Cymru awards at which Mattoidz were voted band of the year. The band were also nominated for Best Welsh language band at the Pop Factory Awards in 2006. In 2007, Mattoidz released the single 'Z-List' on the groups own label (My Imaginary Label) and were again nominated for most popular band in the 2007 Radio Cymru awards. In 2008, the band release their second album on My Imaginary Label.

Folk Music
Folk singer and songwriter, Amy Wadge returns to Merthyr on Tuesday, 22nd October at the Myfanwy Theatre, Merthyr College. Amy Wadge started writing songs at the age of nine on the family piano. At 14, she signed her first record deal with her band, 'Two Of A Mind' and released her first single at the age of 16. At 19, Amy moved to Wales to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She was voted Best Female Solo Artist at the 2002 and 2003, Welsh Music Awards, She toured Australia as a Welsh Assembly Government, cultural ambassador, during the 2003, Rugby World Cup. Amy has continued touring ever since, singing the length and breadth of the UK and playing at many of the UK's prestigious festivals including Cropredy, Hay on Wye Literary Festival, Larmer Tree Festival and Glastonbury. She has also toured in Asia, Russia, Europe and the USA. Amy’s new album, "Bump!" is available now. The performance season at the Myfanwy Theatre also includes High School Musical tribute, This Is The Day by Alan Osborne and a Hans Christian Anderson Christmas Show. The season is supported by the University of Glamorgan, MTCBC Arts and the Arts Council’s Night Out scheme Tickets for the event cost £10.00. For further information please contact Myfanwy Theatre 07516774384.