BEGINNERS ART COURSE at Riffs (RAMA)

Wednesday 1 February 2012 - 18:30

Art is not just for The Talented!

The aim of this course is to give people practical information about some of the basic drawing and painting techniques in a friendly and supportive environment. This is primarily aimed at beginners and people who believe that art is a ‘talent’ owned by someone else and for that reason never given it a go. We believe that art is for everyone and feel that the main focus is not just about producing a masterpiece but enjoying self-expression and focus. People of all ages are welcome on this course, from teenagers through to retired individuals and beyond.

So many people believe that they are "useless" at art when the fact is that no one has ever really taught them before.

Brother and sister, Michael and Theresa York will be taking this workshop and between them have many years of experience using different art media. Although this course is primarily aimed at beginners and encouraging self-expression, the more advanced attendee can also be catered for as a variety of materials will be available such as acrylic or watercolour for example if required. The ultimate aim of this course is about ‘having a go’ and exploring art in any way you like.

On this course basic drawing techniques will be covered such as ‘Mark Making – getting used to chosen media’, ‘Contour Drawing – exercises in hand/eye co-ordination’ and ‘Shading Techniques’ to name but a few and materials will be available for you in order to try a wide selection of media without investing a lot of money beforehand. The aim of this workshop is to remain completely flexible and for everyone to enjoy a completely relaxed atmosphere. 

In addition to learning drawing techniques, there are all sorts of positive reasons for coming to a beginners’ art class that are just as important. For example learning how to express oneself and focus the mind is like a form of meditation and joining an art class will enhance your appreciation of this sort of relaxation and focus. For some it's a chance to have a chat and make new friends. Others enjoy the chance to have a dabble and experiment with different materials while others value the chance to have a bit of "me time" away from their family for a couple of hours. Just remember, if you come along you won't be expected to produce a masterpiece, all you have to do is be prepared to come and have a go ☺

An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one. Charles Horton Cooley 

Riffs Art Workshop will run for 10 weeks. The first five weeks will comprise of teaching basic drawing techniques, the latter five weeks will be used to work on a piece of art to show at the end of course exhibition. This is not compulsory! If you do not feel that you want to show any of your works then that is fine. 
If you are also concerned that this course might be too basic or too advanced, the primary focus is to enjoy art in a relaxed environment and although it is aimed at beginners, the more advanced artist can be catered for.

Riffs courses are based on the belief that all individuals are intrinsically creative and simply need the enthusiasm and environment to bring their creativity to the surface. All the courses are run from Riff’s Bar and have a maximum of '10' students per session, meaning that individual attention can be given and the student benefits from a much more personalised experience.


Course Start: Wed, 1st February 
Course Duration: 10 weeks
Start Time: 6.30pm
End Time: 8.30pm
Course Fee: £100 (equates to only £5 per hour!)
Materials: This course is primarily a dry media course using graphite pencils, soft pastels and charcoal. An A3 drawing pad and a selection of art media will be provided for you to enjoy at no extra cost. If a student would like to experiment with acrylic or watercolour paint this will also be free, although a large canvas, for example, or special products will be charged.
Refreshments: Tea & Coffee will be provided. If any other refreshments are required, the bar will be open ☺

If you are interested in this course, please call or email.

Theresa York: 07932792898 email: Tiggy_uk@hotmail.com
Michael York: 07856094854 email: York976@btinternet.com

www.riffsbar.com or find us on facebook: Riffs Art and Music Academy (RAMA)

Admission: £ 100.00

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CREDO + COMEDY OF ERRORS - Progressive Rock

Thursday 2 February 2012 - 19:00

2012 is here and it provides CREDO with the opportunity to tour the critically acclaimed and commercially successful AGAINST REASON for the last time, in a series of dates across the UK.  The years of hard work came to fruition in 2011 and no right thinking rock fan will begrudge CREDO their recent recognition.  Comparisons are inevitable with a number of classic rock and prog bands over the last forty years. But CREDO are no clones or wannabees, and the power and majesty of their recent critically acclaimed albums is brought to life perfectly in the ONE arena that really counts – LIVE!!!!

Comedy Of Errors are back after a 20+ year hiatus, with a highly successful album and an amazing live set, featuring original members and Hew Montgomery of the legendary Abel Ganz. The pairing of CREDO and Comedy Of Errors so early in 2012 raises the bar for Prog billings for the rest of the year!!!

Admission: £ 5.00

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SAM KELLY'S STATION HOUSE + NO_MAD - A mix of influences inc. British funk, soul, jazz, calypso and

Friday 3 February 2012 - 19:00

The unique sound of SAM KELLY’S STATION HOUSE is a mix of influences including British funk, soul, jazz, calypso and reggae. With three ‘lead’ singers supported by percussionist and internationally acclaimed drummer, the result is an eclectic fusion of music with its roots firmly placed in the blues.

SAM KELLY’S STATION HOUSE has been featuring on the festival
circuit for many years. Led from the drum-seat by SAM KELLY (included in Blues
in Britain magazine’s “Gallery of Greats”), the Band also boasts Paul Jobson
(M.D./keys/vocals), Spy Austin (bass/vocals), Tony Qunta (guitar/vocals) and
Jerome Marcus (percussion/b.vs).

“Welcome”…….the engine is running…….get onboard the bus. We
are NO_MAD…….From the garage punk pop of “BATMAN AND ROBIN” to the anthemic
Indie sound of “GONE TO GROUND”, a folky twist to “BELIEF IS EVERYTHING” and a
journey to the Moon with “RUSSIA CAN YOU HEAR ME”. NO_MAD bring it all together
and stir it up…….Now with 6 members, we have toured the London unsigned scene
and had the stonking signature choooooooon “Batman and Robin” played on TV and
radio. Recently headling the OXJAM charity event at Kingston University, live
gigs are uplifting energetic affairs…….Fully loaded with acoustic and electric
guitars, piano synths, fulsome bass and a rocking beat, NO_MAD are exploring
some different ideas with one thought…….”a good song is a good song”…….ENJOY

Admission: £ 5.00

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ECHO - ROCK/POP PARTY COVERS NIGHT @ RIFFS!

Saturday 4 February 2012 - 20:30

Admission: £ 3.00

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ACOUSTICA - Another great chilled night of Acoustic tunes with an open mic before the main act

Thursday 9 February 2012 - 19:00

ACOUSTICA - Another great chilled night of Acoustic tunes with an open mic before the main act.

Turn up around 7pm to be booked into the open mic spots. All welcome. PA provided.

Admission: Free

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A&T + The Dalghetties + The Playmakers + Faye Rogers

Friday 10 February 2012 - 19:00

A Chilled night featuring music from:
A&T - A new groovy funk band - Good vibes! - 10 piece. 3 brass, 4 vocals drums bass and guitar. Its really funky jazz hip hop with a chillis edge to it.
The Dalghetties - A quirky three piece, Very smiths influenced 
The Playmakers - A great Cirencester based band, 80s influenced. 
Faye Rogers - A very talented singer and performer, sporting an eclectic mix of acoustic music. 

Admission: £ 3.00

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JOHN COGHLAN'S QUO - A LIVE set of Classic QUO Tunes with the QUO's original Drummer!

Saturday 11 February 2012 - 19:00

For many years, John was the bedrock of the British Rock group Status Quo. Playing on drums from the beginning through to 1981. Literally touring and rocking all over the world. Since then he's played in many bands and still appears on the touring circuit today throughout the UK and Europe.

John Coghlan joined Francis Rossi and Alan Lancaster in their newly-formed band in 1962 and the group went through a series of names, including Traffic Jam, before meeting up with Rick Parfitt and becoming Status Quo in the late 60s. A long string of hit records, successful worldwide tours and television appearance followed for the next 20 years: the hits included Pictures of Matchstick Men; Down Down; Caroline; Rain; Rockin' All Over the World, and many more.

http://www.johncoghlan.com/main/

Admission: £ 8.00 ADV / £ 10.00 DOOR

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KEMBLE KNEEDOWN unsigned BATTLE of the BANDS 2012 - HEATS

Thursday 16 February 2012 - 20:00

Admission: £ 3.00

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BLACKWATERS + Support

Friday 17 February 2012 - 19:00

Blackwaters

4 piece indie/ rock band From Swindon. Blackwaters have been playing together now for 2 years With the release of the First Full band Ep Are looking forward To another Busy Year !

Early Daze

Admission: £ 3.00

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PENFOLD - PARTY NIGHT @ RIFFS!

Saturday 18 February 2012 - 20:30

Admission: £ 3.00

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