Monday 13 March – often labelled as ‘the start of the second week of the month’ is a date any self-respecting student of art paradigms should have firmly in their diary – because a trinity of giants from the creative world will come together to inform, educate and entertain – at 7.30pm on York Road, LS14.
When we’re asked to reference ‘Uber Cool’ in the North (which we regularly are), our immediate response consistently cites Mik Artistik and his Ego Trip chums. The Leeds artist, musician and poet (soon to be immortalised on a city-centre mural) is not only one of the most profound, entertaining, thoughtful and kind blokes in Armley – but also something of a global superstar, with celebrity fans such as Iggy Pop (Lust for Life), Gideon Coe (Radio 6), Debbie McGee (Paul Daniels) and Bernie Clifton (Ostrich), claiming to know him.
Undoubtedly the ‘headliner’ of this Monday night triangle of talent, Artistik will take to the stage and along with the event hosts Chapel FM, create a vertex so powerful and life-changing, that Chinese balloons are expected to gather in the sky above Seacroft.
Chapel FM is one of the most innovative arts organisations in the UK and the team, together with their local community, have been doing amazing things in East Leeds since 2003. They are also the base for a seriously excellent radio station – broadcasting every Tuesday and Friday evening – and every other Sunday.
Before our Glastonbury favourite delights us with his Plastic Fox, the evening begins with a special showing of 'King Of Nowt' , a superb – and intensely moving piece of film written by Leeds playwright John Miller (who Mag North interviewed in 2022). The film, which stars Mik playing a hapless, car-sleeping salesman who is down on his luck, follows his journey as he pins hopes of a brighter future on selling ‘Self Help’ books.
Following the film, Miller (the third point in this triad of extraordinary Monday night culture) will take part in a Q & A – and as an East Leeds local, it promises to be a poignant moment.
The sophisticated and exclusive coffee table art book entitled ‘Bags For Life’ also features as part of this unique Chapel FM evening. Mik Artistik has spent decades as a portrait artist – and early on in his international career, his creative practice development led him to drawing people on brown paper bags. The 13 March audience will have the opportunity to see some of the illustrations that feature in the book – and Mik will chat about the encounters that led to him capturing the ordinary and the extraordinary on brown paper.
The evening will crescendo with Mik and his Ego Trip, belting out a number of their most beloved tunes. Bring a hankie – because Sweet Leaf of the North will make you cry.
Further details and tickets are available from Chapel FM HERE
Header Image: @joleeworld