Could you be the next Dylan Thomas? Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar are hosting bi-monthly open mic events for poets and musicians
Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar is former home of a coaching inn known as the oldest building in the Cardiff Bay area (Photo credit: Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar)
Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar are hosting regular poetry and music sessions in hopes of breathing new life into the arts in Cardiff Bay.
The shop, which opened its doors last year as a cross-blend between a café and library, is hosting regular open mic events in order to provide poets and musicians with a free outlet to perform their material.
The Sunday Sessions are hosted by Steve Garrett – a local poet and musician passionate to get more people involved in the local arts community.
Steve recognises that it is important for artists to be able to perform in an encouraging and supportive environment. He said: “I know how valuable it is to have a chance to perform in public, and how few places there are where people can enjoy listening to local creative people.”
Steve maintains that the Sunday Sessions have been well received by the customers at Octavo’s, who find it to be a welcome change to the “industrialised” art found on mainstream media.
Octavo’s also host a range of author events, writing workshops and quiz nights (Photo credit: Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar)
With a high demand for art in Cardiff Bay area, the sessions offer a relaxed Sunday experience, alternating themes of music and poetry with locally sourced and prepared food.
The performances also function as a space for budding poets and musicians to network and mingle with like-minded artists. Steve said: “The arts connect us as a community, give meaning to our lives, are what make us human in some ways.
“When I was invited to create this opportunity by Hazel Cushion, the owner of Octavos’, I jumped at the chance because of the special friendly atmosphere, excellent coffee wine and food, and perfect space for intimate performances.”
The Sunday Sessions take place on the first and third Sunday of each month, with their music open mic taking place on 7 and 21 January.