The best gigs, talks, exhibitions and adventures across the country this November
2nd – 4th: RE:GENERATE (London)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEoN74r8CSE
With discussions about drug policy continuing in online, as well as in-person, professional spaces, there seems to be no better time for an exhibition that tackles this head on. Headed up by Imani Robinson and Camille Barton, RE:GENERATE is a ‘Black-centred arts festival’ that aims to explore the intersections of drug policy, racial justice and liberation, further raising awareness of the injustices that disproportionately affect black people. Hosted by Ugly Duck as a part of their Art & (H)aktivism season – which looks at how art and creativity can be used to advocate for social change – it’s an event that is sure to spark necessary dialogue, as well as pleasing the artistic senses.
Free entry. For more info: release.org.uk/blog/regenerate-festival
14th: ‘BURGERZ’ by Travis Alabanza (Manchester)
In the spirit of turning lemons into lemonade, Travis Albanza has created an unforgettable show about the act of survival. In the emotional single-person performance, Travis admits having homophobic slurs sent their way a remarkable 60 times in the space of a year – as well as experiencing mothers telling their children not to sit by them on public transport, and making national headlines after being kicked out of a changing room in Topshop Manchester. Asking the audience big questions like, ‘What does the trans body do to survive?’, BURGERZ is a thought-provoking piece that might make you reconsider staying quiet the next time you see injustice.
Tickets: royalexchange.co.uk
Opens 15th: SUPERBLACKMAN (London)
For a fortnight, Battersea Arts Centre plays host to an original, eye-opening play by Lekan Lawal, all about comic books, nightlife culture, and black people in the UK’s mental health system. Though it may seem as if those elements don’t immediately go together, Lawal encourages the audience to consider some really interesting questions, such as: how do the stories we tell impact on equality and social cohesion? A bold new piece of theatre, SUPERBLACKMAN combines multiple artforms for truly dynamic results. Closes December 1st.
Tickets: bac.org.uk
17th: ZAFAA Awards (London)
Brush up on your knowledge of African films at this celebration of all things Nollywood. Professing to take the African film industry further than Nigeria and Ghana, the ZAFAA Awards is inviting guests in London and beyond to indulge in some of this year’s finest artistic offerings from the continent. Hosts for the evening include Funke Akindele, Mc Abbey, Danny Erkine and Lydia Olett – and before the main event on the 17th, you can also enjoy two days of film screenings, product displays, a seminar and an investment forum on the 15th and 16th of November at the Imax Odeon Cinema, Greenwich.
Tickets: eventbrite.co.uk
17th: Black Girls Brunch (London)
Grab your best girls and prepare to chat up a storm and get a good meal at the same time. Part ‘girls time’, part networking event, this brunch hosted by Cairo McFarlane gives black women the chance to make new professional and personal bonds. If the saying ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ is correct, then what could be better than the opportunity to connect with people from a range of industry and social backgrounds, who also happen to look a little like you?
Tickets: eventbrite.co.uk
21st and 22nd: Friday Night is Music Night (London)
The world’s longest-running live orchestral radio programme pays homage to some of the greatest soul voices ever, kicking off on Wednesday 21st with Peabo Bryson lending his silky tones to the tunes of Barry White. Backed by a 24-piece orchestra, expect to hear classics such as ‘You’re The First, The Last, My Everything’ and ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe’ – and if that weren’t exciting enough, Beverley Knight gives a tribute to Stevie Wonder on the 22nd. Grab tickets now for what’s sure to be a classy and memorable evening.
Tickets: livenation.co.uk
23rd & 24th: TreasureTress Pop-Up Shop (London)
If you’ve ever found yourself bogged down or uninspired by the hair shop experience, then the people at TreasureTress have something to make the process of getting all your necessary products a lot more simple and enjoyable – with a pop-up shop! For Black Friday weekend, you can go along to build your own box of products, as well as tried and tested advice from kinky and curly-haired folk. Also, there are opportunities to get your nails done by WAH Nails, your braids installed and bust a few cute moves courtesy of the in-store DJ. Time to treat yourself, girl!
Tickets: eventbrite.co.uk
25th: Black Girl Convention (Bristol)
A call to black women of South West England: now’s your time to unite, as the largest celebration of women of African and Caribbean descent for the region gets underway. This space invites all black women (inclusive of trans and non-binary people) to enjoy inspirational talks, break out workshops, an Afro hair & beauty expo including live demos and opportunities to browse and buy from amazing black-owned businesses in the marketplace.
Tickets: eventbrite.co.uk
Until late November: Lady A X Bulleit pop-up (London)
Every evening this month, contemporary public house Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen (at plush London hotel Andaz Liverpool Street) plays host to a super cool, immersive bar that’s perfect for lovers of whiskey and tattoos. Though on first thought this may seem like a strange combination, the people of Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey have worked hard to create unique whiskey-based cocktails (like the winter-spiced ‘Chai This At Home’) as well as a food menu with bourbon-infused dishes – all amid tattoo style parlour artworks. Illustrator and tattoo artist Sophie Mo is on hand for body art consultancy, along with drink masterclasses and an array of other mysterious activities. It’s a truly unique occasion – and one that is much better experienced than explained. Get yourself down there before time runs out!
For more info: designmynight.com/london/pubs/liverpool-street/lady-abercorn
