Merthyr Express column

4th Nov 10

World Music Performance

Internationally acclaimed world music group Siyaya come to Merthyr Tydfil next month.

Siyaya (pronounced “see-yaye-yah meaning “we are on the move”) are a nine-strong perfoming arts group from Zimbabwe. Siyaya celebrate the greatest African instrument, the human voice. Colourful, and energetic, Siyaya compliment lively dances and liquid tones with superb percussion rhythms and the sweet acapella harmonies exploring the rich cultures and traditions of Africa. Siyaya deliver a truly unique music, song and dance performance. Exciting and up-lifting, they consist of male and female singers, dancers and musicians. A vibrant fusion of the traditional and the modern. One of Zimbabwe's leading song and dance theatre companies, they have performed extensively in Africa, Germany and the UK including two lengthy appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe. They also perform reguarly at WOMAD, Glastonbury and Sidmouth festivals.

Siyaya will be performing on Wednesday, 10th November, at 7pm at Bishop Hedley High School, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 9AN. Entrance is only £3, with a concessional rate of £2 for OAPs and Children. For further information contact: Lee Davies (3Gs Development Trust) on 01685 352982 or lee.davies@3gs.org.uk. To listen or watch Siyaya live visit: www.myspace.com/siyaya or www.siyaya-arts.com. Event supported by Night Out and MTCBC Arts.

Merthyr’s Got Talent

The Merthyr’s Got Talent showcase takes place tonight, Thursday 4th November at the Myfanwy Theatre in Merthyr Tydfil College. Judges at the auditions said that “the quality of performance is improving year on year, with some extremely talented young people taking part in this year’s event”. Performances this year cover three main categories: Popular Music, Songs From The Musicals and Dance. Doors open at 6pm. Entry by ticket only. For more information about tickets please contact Lee Davies on 01685 353420 / lee.davies@3gs.org.uk or Lisa Bruford on 01443 410841 / Lisa.Bruford@merthyr.gov.uk.

Open Mic Night

Tonight’s (Thursday, 4th November) Open Mic Night at the Imperial Hotel, Pontmorlais welcomes Greek author from Cornwall, Alexis Lykiard. Open Mic Nights are free entry, supported by MTCBC in partnership with Academi. Anyone wanting to read or perform can just come along on the night, where they’ll be scheduled in. For further information please contact: (01685) 725382 or arts@merthyr.gov.uk.

Singer Songwriter

The Chloe Hall Trio come to the Heads of The Valleys tomorrow night. Chloe Hall is a woman at the top of her profession. This singer/songwriter makes you laugh, cry, sigh and dream. She’s a treasure to file alongside Joni Mitchell, Nanci Griffith and Paul Simon. Touring in her native Australia since her teens, Chloe’s neverending world tour finally hits the UK with the release of her new album, ’Outside’. Chloe is an engaging, intriguing and charismatic performer but it’s the simple undeniable quality of her songs that leaves the listener overwhelmingly satisfied to the emotional core. The Chloe Hall Trio will be performing at the Beaufort Theatre, Beafort Hill, Ebbw Vale, NP23 5QQ at 8pm - 11pm, tonight, 5th November. Tickets cost £8 on the door (£7 for Valleys Roots members). For further information please contact 01495 355 800.