Ian reviews ‘the liar, the witch and the Wardrobe’ show which is at Bridewell Studios, Prescot Street until the 27 June, also Maywa Denki at FACT, which means he is now the proud owner of some mechanised toys and on a lighter note ‘Gathering Light’ is now on at the Metropolitan Cathedral, an exhibition by 20 international artists.  

Further Ahead

The week of the 17-22 June is a lively one in the Liverpool Arts Scene, with Africa Oye, Open Source City and Design Show Liverpool.

Africa Oye is taking place in Sefton Park on the 21^st and 22^nd of June with Odemba OK Jazz, DR CONGO; Body, Mind and Soul,  MALAWI; Bedouin Jerry Can Band, EGYPT; Massukos, MOZAMBIQUE;  Kenge Kenge, KENYA; Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba, MALI; Macka B & The Royale, Roots Band; JAMAICA/UK; and Candido Fabre y Su Banda from Cuba.

Don’t forget to bring your blankets, tents and barbeques so you can settle back to enjoy some of the best music to come out of Africa in recent years, in what is always a great community event.

Design Show Liverpool - Contemporary Urban Centre

There are tons of top designers taking part in this showcase from all over the country. And with a Conference, Catwalk shows and buyers events it’s one not to miss. So if you are looking to fit out your designer pad this is the place to go to see what the stores will be stocking in 2 years time. Tickets are £5 but well worth a visit.  More.

Mr Roscoe’s Garden part of the Fragrant project by artist Jyll Bradley will be at the Bluecoat 19-22 June. A silver award winner at the Chelsea Flower show. Jyll has written a book about the history of  Liverpool’s Botanic collection which will be published shortly.

Open Source City -17^th -22 June. Taking place on Slater Street in Liverpool at the Art Organisation buildings.  Find out how to use open source software to create artwork, I’ll be finding out how to stream audio using Jack and Icecast.. There are loads of other workshops and it’s really worthwhile having a look; some of the workshops you do have to pay for.

Miles Davis at Static Gallery starts 12 June

Jazz Musician and Painter, a legend of the jazz world has work in Static

Turning the place over - the Liverpool biennial are now offering tours of the interior of Richard Wilson’s piece on Friday and Saturday. Booking is through the Liverpool Biennial website.

Alexis Sayle’s Liverpool - BBC2 Friday nights

Liverpudlian comedian Lexi presents a program all about Liverpool, it’s recent history and psyche. In last weeks episode he talked with Mersey Beat poet Brain Pattern about Alan Ginsbergs visit to the city in the 60’s and how both were fascinated by the doorframes in the Walker - they were both tripping at the time.  Check it out on the BBC iPlayer.

Site at 68 Hope Street

The last ever exhibition at the old Art college, Rebecca Key presents Changeover  - the period between one exhibition and the next, this show reflects the changeover between the old art school and the new one which will be complete in the Autumn.