Words Like Music To Your Ears - No Place Like Home: Southampton

Join classical singer Pooja Angra and writer Susmita Bhattacharya in a creative workshop which is inspired by music. Pooja will guide you through the components of putting music to your words to create a lyrical poem, or even a song.

This event is aimed at BPOC people and free entry.

About the artists

Pooja Angra. A disciple of Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, Pooja is an Indian vocalist with a melodious and mellifluous voice. Pooja was conferred with a PhD in Indian music by Delhi University India. Having performed at prestigious platforms such as All India Radio, Indian National T.V. Doordarshan, BBC Asian Network, BBC Solent, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan London, Nehru Centre Indian High Commission London, Wiltshire music centre, Turner Sims Southampton, Art Asia, Sage Gateshead presented by Gem Arts, Milapfest, Zee London Mela, Southampton Mela, Glasgow Mela with numerous stage shows on record, Pooja has carved an immortal imprint on the hearts of music lovers in India and across the UK. Pooja has done National tours supported by Arts Council, England.

Pooja performs various music genres ranging from Hindustani classical, Semi-classical, Devotional, Bollywood, Sufi, Ghazal to Punjabi folk. Her experience ranges from teaching individuals and groups, practising the authentic approach to Indian music as well as collaborating with Eastern and Western musicians.

Susmita Bhattacharya’s novel, The Normal State of Mind (Parthian) was long-listed at the Mumbai Film Festival, 2018. Table Manners (Dahlia Publishing) won the Saboteur Award for Best Short Story Collection and was featured on BBC Radio 4 Extra. She mentors underrepresented writers and is co-founder of the Write Beyond Borders Mentoring Project.

IG: @susmita.b.writer

Accessibility

October Books is accessed via one step. There's a ramp available for wheelchair access, and there's a disabled toilet available.

How to get there

On Foot: the venue it's in the heart of Portswood, opposite the Victory Gospel Church, the last building on the corner before the lane that takes you to the Cafe Down the Lane.

By Bike: the venue is close to National Cycle Route 23. Come off it at Horseshoe Bridge from the south, or Riverside Park from the north. Park up at the bike rack outside the neighbours, The Post Office.

By Bus:Red 7, UniLink and Bluestar 2 buses all stop in Portswood. Get your ticket to Portswood Broadway, which is the nearest stop.

By Train: there's a 10/15 minute walk from St Denys railway station.

By Car: there is limited on street parking in Portswood. The nearest car park is Westridge Road, postcode SO17 2HL. The venue is a few minutes walk from there.

You can find further info on the October Books website.

This event is supported by Arts Council England. Writing Our Legacy is part of ACE’s National Portfolio Programme.