Mercy

Some dates for your diary. Three new exhibitions open in Liverpool on Friday: an environmentally minded one at FACT called Climate For Change (asking the question 'Is society itself unsustainable?'), a group show of film and photography at Open Eye called Until It Hurts, and an exhibition featuring the six artists shortlisted for the second annual Liverpool Art Prize. I'll be reviewing these at some point soon and letting you know if there's any life affirming, heart rending, must-see art on offer. Private view for each show is Thursday from 5.30 / 6pm (depending on the venue), schmoozing and free wine await you.

Our pals Wave Machines have also struggled back from their guitarist's anterior talofibular ligament injury to get on the road again. Dates are as follows: Manchester (tonight, supporting Just Jack), London (Mar 10, sold out), Brighton (Mar 11), then back to the capital for a gig with a difference at London Word Festival (Mar 12). The L.W.F. gig sees them backing Mercy poet-in-residence Nathan Jones to reprise the literature-meets-live-music performance they took to Tate, Bluecoat and St Brides Church in Liverpool last year. I've seen plenty of people read poetry over music and not do it well (they start off trying to be like Arab Strab but end up more like Denny Blaze), but the Nafe + Wave Machines combo kicks arse. Here they are in action:


Wave Machines will be playing a few of their own songs as part of the gig with Nathan, good news for those who can't get tickets for the earlier, band-only London date. Full line-up and venue details are on the London Word Festival website.

Other news: Mercy co-founder Doug Kerr has another mix for your delectation here. The title, Floppy Disco, should say it all. In the tradition of great psychogeographers everywhere, he's also started building a mind-map of London entitled A Small Town Guide To The Big City. Add to your favourites under You Couldn't Make It Up.