It’s a funny old game poetry, seems that most of the time I see it live the only emotions it instigates is hardcore apathy or the urge to physically hurt said poet severely with their own pen. However there are a few out there who truly touch deeply into just the right emotions, Kate Tempest, a big name on the slam poetry scene is one of them.
So what you may ask are we bloody doing putting her on a Saturday night? Well there’s more to this poet than meets the eye, infact two more. Along with a damn fine jazz drummer and guitarist / bassist they make up Sound Of Rum. A band that fit just as well into the festival vibe of our Saturday nights as that other well known poetry crossover Dan Le Sac & Scroobius Pip, who incidentally are also on the same label – Sunday Best, ran by Bestival head honcho and Radio One late night music supremo Rob Da Bank. We very much look forwards to getting in full festie mode. Also Dregz, who has been a staple dancefloor filler at the Toucan for many years shall be paying us a special visit whilst I will no doubt be dropping a selection of Swing, Gypsy and Ska type tunes.
Plus if you arrive early enough (like from 4 in the afternoon) you’ll be able to catch the ‘Breakin’ Hearts B Girl Jam’ as the lady breakdancers get their competition on to the sounds of DJ Jaffa, DJ Veto and Mr Soulsbury.
