OUT AND ABOUT – OCTOBER 2023
Out and About: a visual diary of what’s happening in Liverpool. Each month, four of Liverpool’s finest photographers share photos of what they’ve been up to over the past four weeks, from live gigs and art exhibitions to panels and more.
In October, we catch up with Megan O’Donnell, Kieran Irvine, Anthony Wilde and Robin Clewley.
Local photographer Megan O’Donnell introduces us to ‘Dive Bar Karaoke’ at Fleet Street’s dive bar, Motel.
“Last month, Motel celebrated its 10th birthday in style. With golden tinsel, a live band hosting their famous Dive Bar Karaoke and great vibes all around, it was a joy to shoot. Late night venues are a favourite of mine, as the energy in the room is always fantastic and Motel’s live karaoke at Motel always helps. You’re supported by a talented live band behind you, and with over 200 songs to choose from, you really feel like a rockstar. Dive Bar Karaoke runs every Thursday and Sunday at Motel.”
Liverpool-based photographer Kieran Irvine specialises in capturing authentic moments. His work, including images of celebrated artists and iconic music experiences, has earned industry recognition.
“I had the honour of photographing ‘Harmonies of Heritage’, an inspiring Black History Month event at the Granby Winter Garden. Influenced by The Jazz Project, HoH was a celebration of unique and collective Black histories, commemorating the journeys that have shaped the black community and documenting those stories for the next generation.
Next up was the KISS FM x LIMF Academy panel at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. It was truly inspiring to watch music and radio professionals (Låpsley, Girls Don’t Sync and more) come together to share their knowledge with young people wanting to get into the industry.”
Check out Kieran’s full portfolio here.
Anthony Wilde uses photography to immerse himself in a variety of cultures and subgroups that exist in and around the communities of Liverpool. Interweaving industrial landscapes with colourful characters, Anthony is fascinated by how we are shaped by our surroundings and how we can transcend these environments.
Photos 1-4: Black Josh live at 24 Kitchen Street
Photo 5: Long-term collaborator, artist KOJ
Photos 6-8: 12 hour rave ‘MEET THEM AT PLUSH’ at Invisible Wind Factory. Featuring writer, actor, poet and performer Felix Mufti, and the Laces Out T-shirt, synonymous with Liverpool street style
Photos 9-10: One of Liverpool’s original radio stations Svara
We join local music video director, portrait and documentary photographer Robin Clewley for the last days of, what will be sorely missed, Jimmy’s and Tate Liverpool.
“October saw the closure of one of the newest music venues in the city; Jimmy’s. Located at the top of Bold Street, Jimmy’s had quickly established itself as a bastion of grassroots music, alongside the temporary closure and relocation of TATE Liverpool, one of the longest-standing and most respected arts institutions in the country. Both venues leave a hole in the cultural makeup of the city. They act as a reminder of the impermanence of the spaces we hold dear, as well as the need for the development and re-imagining of music and arts spaces, which continue to be the beating heart of Liverpool.”
Photos 1-5: The last night at Jimmy’s Liverpool, featuring performances from Zuzu, LuvCat, Martha Goddard and Amedo Blue.
Photos 6-10: The last weekend at Tate Liverpool, featuring various music performances and an in conversation with New York-based artist Torkwase Dyson and DJ Lynee Denise*, discussing the importance of Willie May (Big Momma) Thornton, the Blues and the reclamation of Black Identity in arts/music spaces (*simplified, please read more by these two to fully understand the work they are doing).
Check out Robin’s full portfolio here.
