CHRIS SEARLE hears the ordeal of the Palestinian people in the improvised musicianship of a UK jazz trio

THERE is so much going on at the moment.
Last Friday I was in Woking for my first gig at a new grassroots cultural initiative, and what a wonderful place Fiery Bird Music Venue is. Once the local HQ of KFC and McDonald’s, it’s been transformed into a DIY cultural centre with a lovely gig space, all kinds of community projects and a kitchen garden — all run by volunteers. Well done to everyone involved — and they are looking for performers, so if you’re happy to play for a cut of the door and can pull a crowd get in touch with them at fierybirdvenue.org.uk.
Today and tomorrow I’m co-organising a new festival at the Barn Theatre in my home town of Southwick featuring Ferocious Dog, Mark Thomas, Jess Silk, Eddie & the Hot Roads and loads more — while in London people gather for the biggest anti-fascist callout in years to oppose Tommy Robinson’s attempt to build the kind of far-right mass movement we confronted and defeated 40 years ago. Some of you will be undoubtedly be reading this at the rally. Solidarity.

Fiery words from the Bard in Blackpool and Edinburgh, and Evidence Based Punk Rock from The Protest Family


