April 2013
Welcome to the ever evolving Big Bear News Letter. This edition marks the first in a new format as I attempt to make the newsletter a mail you look forward to receiving. Apart from listing the various venues around the vicinity I will be including links to some of my music, mainly Blues, ranging from golden oldies to recent releases. Every now and then I will include something different that I hope you will find interesting. If you know anyone who you think would like to receive my newsletter then please feel free to forward this mail to them. Anyone who receives this mail from a friend is most welcome to email me at bigbear1@lavabit.com and I will add you to the mailing list. If you no longer wish to receive this mail then email me at the same address with ‘Remove’ in the subject and I will remove you from the mailing list.
In my attempt to make the newsletter more interesting and not just a reflection of my own interests, I would like to invite any recipients to contribute towards widening the variety of the content. Perhaps you have an event you would like to be included, or maybe some of your own stuff like a recording or some poetry you would like to share with others. Maybe you provide a service that you think might appeal to the newsletters recipients! Basically I would like to broaden the newsletter to cover Arts and Crafts and events that people might be interested in knowing about and maybe attending. Another new feature will be links to local art and music sites so you can check out what is happening around the area. Once again I would be most grateful if you could send me links to any web sites you would like to see featured.
If you find it hard to remember all the different regular monthly events why not try 30 boxes, a web based calendar that will send you an email to remind you. It is very easy to use and it is free. Once you have created your account you can enter regular daily, weekly, monthly or annual events and one off appointments and instruct 30 boxes to mail you in advance. Here is the link to 30boxes:
REGULAR MONTHLY EVENTS
Every First Friday of the Month; Cwmdu Inn. Llandeilo, Dyfed, SA19 7DY – 01558 685088
8:00pm. Traditional music and unaccompanied singing. Not wheelchair friendly. 
Every Third Friday of the Month; Kings Arms, Llansaint, Kidwelly SA17 5JE – 01267 267487
8:00pm. An evening of Poetry, Pints and music. Not wheelchair friendly. 
Every last Wednesday of the Month; Parrot Music Bar, Carmarthen, Dyfed, SA31 1BS – 01267 236012
8:00pm. Blues Night hosted by myself. Has been running for over a year now. Please let me know if you would like to play, we love to hear from new or established artist. For more information about other events at the Parrot. Not wheelchair friendly. 
Every last Saturday of the Month; Waunifor, Maesycrugiau, Nr Pencader, Carmarthenshire SA399LX7
7:30pm. The Last Saturday Sessions, music and poetry plus Big Dave on the Mighty Wurlitzer and compered by Paul. Cafe/Bar with very nice home made cakes. Extremely wheelchair friendly. 
Every Sunday; White Lion Hotel, The Square, Ferryside SA17 5RW – 01267 267214
Lunch time onwards. Monthly Sunday afternoon Session. There is no fixed Sunday as it has to fit in with other functions at the pub. For more info give Dave the landlord a ring. Not wheelchair friendly. 
REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS
Every Tuesday; Dingle Inn, Dingle Caravan Park, Narberth – 01834 861806
8:00pm. All sorts of music, hosted by George Whitfield, accordion player. George is also one half of Fiddlebox; http://fiddlebox.net/ Not wheelchair friendly. 
Every Tuesday; White Lion Hotel, The Square, Ferryside SA17 5RW – 01267 267214
7:30pm. Open Jam Session. One week is acoustic and the following week electric. 2nd of April will be electric night. If you forget which is what, give Dave the landlord a ring. Not wheelchair friendly. 
Every Friday; White Lion Hotel, The Square, Ferryside SA17 5RW – 01267 267214
7:30pm. Open Mic Night, everybody welcome. For more info ring Dave the landlord. Not wheelchair friendly. 
Big Bears Highly Recommended
Eric Burdon, formerly of The Animals, has released a new album (January 29, 2013) titled ’til your river runs dry. His last album was released in 2004. Mostly new and original material with one cover (Bo Didley) and one tribute to the same. While I am most happy to share this album with you please remember if you like it too then please support the artist and purchase a copy.
A fun family day where you can meet a Meerkat on 6th and 7th April 2013. Meet a Meerkat @ National Botanic Garden of Wales in the Marquee Sat 6th April and Sun 7th April 2013.
Links to local Venues and Artists:
Arts:
Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Church Lane, Carmarthen, SA31 1LH. Tel +44 0 1267 222 775
Open 10am – 5pm Mon – Sat, Closed bank holidays, Free admission
Oriel King Street Gallery, 33 King Street, Carmarthen, SA31 1BS. Tel +44 0 1267 220121
Email; gallery@kingstreetgallery.co.uk
Attic Gallery, Attic Gallery, 37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3XL
Black Mountain Gallery, 2 Bryn Road, Cwmllynfell, Swansea, SA9 2FJ
West Wales Arts Centre, 16 West Street, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, SA65 9AE
Artists:
John Bilsborough – Poet, writer, broadcaster and performer of hilarious verse, tall tales and impossible songs.
Chapel House , Glyn Abbey, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 5TL. Tel +44 0 1554 810894
Venues:
Queens Hall, Narberth, West Wales premier venue.
Other links: