Opus Club – The Dark Horse, Birmingham
Opus Club is hosted by Jasmine Gardosi, run by herself and Mike Stork. I have not managed to get across for any Opus Clubs beforehand, so this was my first impression of it all, what a cracking event it was!
I wasn’t sure I could manage ‘vintage’ dress but I did find a fascinator that I wore on my top and I used the jacket bought for my brother’s wedding, some spots and my hair on the side and hey presto – sort of.
I was really nervous about performing after seeing last month’s line up of open mic-ers, I changed my set four times. I needn’t have worried the atmosphere was friendly and the venue had a cosy stage filled with the house band Mstork & The Flights. I think part of my nerves were that I had chosen to perform with musical backing, when you imagine a beat or a guitar that is one thing but a whole band. It went well and feedback included people telling me they thought it was a rehearsed set, guess I have the talents of the band to thank for that. It was great fun trying something different and I have no regrets, sure it makes my delivery of the words stronger too. Hannah Silva headlined and she made the band backing work tremendously well.
Amongst the line up there was; Leon Priestnell, Nafeesa Hamid, Tom Kwei, P.A.D & Catriona Heatherington, who is a wonderful story-teller, myself – Nina Lewis and some who signed up on the door.
The night is split into 3 parts; open mic-ers, open mic-ers with music, music and featured artist. If this wasn’t enough it is followed by partying into the night until 2AM! There was even a Magician, Harry – who blew my mind before the night even took off.
It was lovely to see people I have not seen for ages and meet new faces. I had a ball. Left on a real high – I couldn’t manage the partying into the night after a 4 day run of poetry performances and workshops.
Rang-Zeb took some amazing photos of the evening and for your delight – and for those of us who were there, to bring the magic back. With kind permission… feast your eyes!
Rang-Zeb is an amazingly clever photographer, as you can see from these shots. He is incredibly supportive, open & giving – not to mention talented! I still cannot believe this is not his full-time profession!
Thanks for letting me use your photography to enhance this review.
I had watched Hannah’s You Tube performances but seeing her live was something else. Queen of Linguistics.
I had a fabulous night and can’t wait for the next one!
awritersfountain 