Partners Ella and Kieren have organised one hell of night. It's not just an open-mic night for aspiring writers, performers and poets. It is much, much more. The first thing you notice is The Eagle's warm welcome and homely quality. Add to that a genuine sense of community between the performers. It's a good night to drop in on. If you fancy taking part, you'll find that encouragement is never in short supply. I turned up for a chat...
What's the best thing about Evidently?
Ella: For me, it's getting to meet new people, develop friendships and watch people grow as performers and poets. There's something special about being in such a supportive and friendly atmosphere. I also love it when I'm speaking to someone and they tell us that their video helped to get them a gig, or that they found out about the night because they have seen a few videos.
Kieren: It's the sense of community. It's great getting together, hearing some amazing words and having a good old natter about it afterwards. Also bringing some of the best poets from around the country to Salford and blowing them away with how warm and friendly everyone is. Salford hospitality, there's nowt like it.
What was the first Evidently like?
K: Honestly, it was a complete blur. Flew by the seat of our pants, can't remember a thing but I've been told it went well.
How has it progressed?
E: I think we have a better sense of who we are and what we are about, which helps to define a night. We're a lot slicker and ensure that there is always a bit of banter between me and K!
K: We've been lucky enough to have a loyal group of regulars which has steadily grown. They get what the night is about and get involved. It's a pub not a library; they are there to have fun.
The night takes place in the incredible gig room at The Eagle. Performers get a stage and are professionally filmed by Ella. They also have the option to feature on Evidently's YouTube channel.
As part of the £3 entrance fee you are treated to two experienced poets doing a headline set either side of the open mic, as well as Kieren acting as MC. Kieren is more than competent when it comes to hosting the night. His notoriety as a poet and performer is blossoming. Elbow's Guy Garvey is a fan. This year, Garvey curated the Meltdown festival at The South Bank and booked Evidently to do a one off London show.
This growing reputation doesn't prevent Kieren from being heckled by Ella from behind the camera; he seems to enjoy it. He's quite happy to take the all flack and ensure everyone else is respected. 'If you want to leave the room, do it while I'm on. I'm the least important person here', he grins.
How do you choose/book the acts?
Ella: We are super lucky as we sometimes get approached by poets looking to perform, or poets will recommend someone to us. We will spot someone on YouTube or at a different night and see if there is a particular event we think that they would do well at. We have booked guests up to a year in advance before, so we are able to schedule different moods and ensure that we have a variety in guests.
Kieren and Ella have managed to create a night that is all about providing the right backing for the open mic performers. There is a wide range of performers too. They are as diverse as the subject matter...
...Take a look online: penis extensions, insufferable people on cocaine, elderly pub regulars and the pros and cons of Little Hulton life. Anything goes, as long as they stick to the rules: one poem and a maximum of two minutes on stage. It's proving to be pretty popular, too. Trevor Meaney currently has the most views with a whopping 14,886 for his fantastic 'Lancaster to London' poem. There are over six hundred videos on Evidently's Youtube channel (click here).
Must see 3:
Dazzer: Friend to a Coked Up Bellend
Liv Barnes: The Usuals
Jack Smurf: The State of M38
Who is your dream headliner?
Ella: We are lucky that we have had some of our dream headliners already happen! But some people I want in future are an amazing rapper/spoken word artist called Watsky, Saul Williams or Denice Frohman…
Kieren: Evidently it would have to be the boss, Dr John Cooper Clarke.
If you want to get involved, the next Evidently takes place on Sept 12th with headline sets from Steve Pottinger and Steph Pike – for further details see the Facebook event page – click here
Evidently: Spoken Word Poetry
2nd Monday of every month 7:30pm
The Eagle Inn
19 Collier Street M3 7DW
£3 on the door
Further details: www.evidentlysalford.net/
Words by Ian Leslie
Photography by Charles Leek (www.charlesleek.com)
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