Published: February 15, 2023 | Updated: 16th February 2023
The good news is that January is finally over!
After all the abstention and darkness we are all ready to get out and enjoy what our area has to offer. And this month in Dorset we are hosting an incredible variety of Arts and Culture from feminist art at the GIANT Gallery in Bournemouth to Tony Blackburn’s Sounds of the Sixties in Christchurch.
This month we talk to Tor Byrnes, DJ, Creative and Founder of live music promoter We Broke Free. We find out what inspires her and why Debbie Harry is her creative hero. We also check out local songwriter Carley Varley’s new record.
There is great creative work being done across our area with a rapidly developing cultural and creative economy that benefits us all. It really is worth exploring what is available all around us.
Coming up soon.
An Evening With Kate Prince, Pavilion Dance SouthWest – Thursday February 23.
Artistic Director and Founder of hip hop dance company ZooNation, Kate Prince MBE is an award-winning Choreographer and Director. From smash hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to brand new soul hip-hop show Sylvia with Beverly Knight, Kate is an incredible artist and there are special offers available for this unique event.
Check here for availability: pdsw.org.uk
Georgia And The Iceberg by Dorsetborn Touring – February to April. Various venues.
Dorsetborn is a young theatre company creating new plays across our region. This play for audiences seven years old and up had its premiere at, and is supported by, Lighthouse, Poole. It is now touring the region so look out for dates near you. rohangotobed.co.uk
Tony Blackburn’s The Sounds of the 60s, Regent Centre, Christchurch – Tuesday March 7.
The first ever DJ on BBC Radio One and broadcasting legend, Tony Blackburn, is in Christchurch. Featuring Tony’s Sounds Of The 60s All Star Band & Singers, this event sells out all over the country. At this point an appearance by Arnold the Dog is not confirmed! theregent.co.uk
Body Poetics GIANT Gallery Bournemouth – From Saturday February 18.
A group exhibition pairing nine feminist artists working at the advent of feminist theory in the 1970s and 80s, with a contemporary artist from a younger generation. Curated by Marcelle Joseph and Becca Pelly-Fry. giant.space
Review: NEW MUSIC. Somehow I’m Alive – Carley Varley.
There’s a reason that this song was picked up by BBC Introducing – it is another great tune from Dorset-based song writer Carley Varley.
She has developed so much as an artist over the last few years and now with a band to work with we hear another creative step forward. The song Somehow I’m Alive has a more robust feel sonically than her earlier material and edges towards a bolder and bigger rock sound with definite Paramore and Heart vibes. Lyrically there is still the hesitation and uncertainty from a couple of years ago but it feels like we are listening to a songwriter realising that even grown ups have struggles!
With her profile increasing and her songwriting becoming more surefooted this is the moment to take notice of Carley Varley. Look out for live dates around the country and check our Carley’s website for more music: carleyvarley.com
Tor Byrnes.
Tor Byrnes is a DJ, Music Promoter and Festival Curator who works extensively in our area while also featuring at festivals nationwide. She founded promotion company We Broke Free ten years ago and is part of the artistic team for the annual Bournemouth Arts By The Sea Festival.
What inspires your creative ideas?
Mainly travel and the experiences I have at festivals and other events. Now everybody wants to make Instagram memories but I remember going to festivals to get away and lose myself and feel free. It is freedom and fun that inspires me – I’ve always put the word fun in everything I do.
Why are arts and culture important to everyone?
I hate the idea of living in a bubble or only seeing one point of view. If you don’t have the opportunity to experience other people’s traditions, religions, beliefs, ways of living then you will only have one point of view which will make your life very straight and narrow. We all need openness of mind, spirit and freedom to explore different ideas.
What advice would you give to a business to help them become more creative?
I never really classified myself as a “creative” until fairly recently. I always thought of myself as an organiser of creatives or as a guide. I can sometimes get stuck on having to sell things or getting a certain amount of people to attend. Since working with Arts By The Sea this has changed as those responsibilities don’t lie with me, which has left me with a freedom to trust my instincts and have more fun.
Who is your creative hero?
Debbie Harry – the original women of Rock n Roll. She stomped her heels all over a very male dominated scene in the mid 70s, whilst using her sexuality to entice both men and women into her world. Using clothing, images, photography, songs and merging them all together along with Chris Stein to make an icon. But she’s continued to do it, even now in her mid 70s she has style like no one else, she’s been at the forefront of the party and drag scenes of New York city since Andy Warhol days. Plus she had very first rap song in the charts and I met her in New York on my 30th birthday which was amazing!
What piece of creative work are you most proud of?
Arts By The Sea 2022. I didn’t know I had it in me to curate a large festival, but what’s amazing is that other people believed in me and that support and encouragement led me to my biggest learning experience in years.
What are you working on now?
I’m always working on new events for 60 Million Postcards in Bournemouth. I have just finished working with Independent Venue Week on their 10th birthday which saw me travelling all over the region to support live venues. It’s also We Broke Free’s 10th birthday – so we will be having a party (more details tba!). Otherwise I’m in a slight waiting mode with regards to which festivals I’ll be working with, and on, this year. So watch this space!
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