A hectic week - from deadlines to Jesse Malin

Good morning everybody

It has been a long long time since my last post on the Aesthetica blog.... Oh dear! Things have been so busy at Aesthetica that finding time to write a post is sometimes challenging!

The new issue has just gone off to press and I must say it is amazing. I can't wait until it returns and I have the opportunity to have a flick through. Last week was a hectic one with the deadline approaching, but I did manage to swing by Fibbers in York to see Jesse Malin. Now if you haven't seen Jesse then you are definitely missing out - he is a fantastic performer and someone who really connects with the audience. Jesse played a variety of material from his albums, 'The Fine Art of Self Destruction', 'The Heat', 'Glitter in the Gutter' and his most recent covers album, 'On Your Sleeve'. Mixed in with the wonderful songs were some pretty crazy stories involving Joe Strummer amongst others as well as a rendition of Neil Young's 'Helpless' where Jesse managed to get the whole audience to sit down on Fibbers' sticky floor - a particularly impressive feat! Next time Jesse is in a town near you I would really recommend checking him out - you won't be disappointed.

I also managed to see 'Fast Labour' at the West Yorkshire Playhouse at the weekend. This was an impressive production, which really explored the idea of the high price of the cheap labour that all economies depend on. 'Fast Labour' was a highly innovative production utilising the music of Led Zepplin and video imagery to tell the story of Victor a Ukranian immigrant in a growing culture of human exploitation.

Cherie and I are visiting the BALTIC on Thursday, I'm really looking forward to it - they have so many exciting exhibitions going on.

Anyway, I promise to post more frequently in the future. My to-do list is calling me now, but until next time.....

I hope that everyone has a great day.

Shona.