6. Learn about Sliema’s architecture
Din l-Art Ħelwa will be holding a talk by Edward Said titled ‘Sliema: Dreams, Losses and Changes’. Said is a conservation architect, a researcher on Maltese architectural history and a founding member of the Sliema Heritage Society. During this lecture, a selection (by no means exhaustive) of heritage landmarks which no longer exist will be presented and discussed.
The talk takes place on Thursday at 6.30 pm at Din l-Art Ħelwa, Valletta. Entrance is free of charge but donations to Din l-Art Ħelwa are appreciated. For more information call on 2122 5952 or send an e-mail to info@dinlarthelwa.org.
5. Read a good book
Lucy Min?, the debut novel by Lara Calleja, immediately strikes a chord with young urban readers, who can easily identify with the main character in the book.
“Lucy speaks to readers with shameless honesty,” says Calleja, 27. “She talks about anger, frustration, happiness, tears and absolute boredom – which is what we all do.”
Lucy is a girl “who knew nothing”. She had no idea how to hold a banner at an environmental protest; she had never seen a naked man; she had a series of hopeless dates and then she met George. That’s when things changed – for the worse. Then, maybe, for the better. But what is certain is that she was no longer a girl “who knew nothing”.
She quit her job; she travelled; she had one night stands; she met Craig; she talked and listened; and all the while she realised that the world was much broader and boundless than her trifle day-to-day problems. Now, at least, she knew one thing: that she always has a choice.
Lucy Min? is a pleasant read, which will make you gasp in places and chuckle in others. The author has been working on the book for the last five years. “The writing process consisted of random outbursts and observations which I needed to get out of the system, and then these unexpectedly turned into a novel,” said Calleja.
Lucy Min? is published by Merlin Publishers and is available from all bookshops or online.
www.merlinpublishers.com
4. Take in Guillermo del Toro’s latest Film
Hosted by Waħx u Dlamijiet Film Nights, Crimson Peak will be screened at The Pub, in Valletta. Guillermo del Toro’s latest work has been described as “gorgeous and just...terrifying” by none other than godfather of horror Stephen King. Drinks and discussion after the film.
The screening takes place on Thursday at 8.30pm and entrance is free.
3. Experience a piano recital
The Grima-Gialanze Duo returns once again with Tales & Dances to collaborate in a concert encompassing works for four-hands and one piano. The programme revolves around works inspired by childhood memories (such as the Dolly Suite and Ma Mère l’Oye) and other light-hearted dances, some of which may sound familiar. From fiery dances to childhood scenes, the evening promises a celebration of music and much-loved repertoire by Faure, Khachaturian, Ravel, Rachmaninoff & Falla.
Tales & Dances takes place on Friday at 8pm at Palazzo de la Salle, Valletta.
2. Enjoy Mantra’s debut EP
Dan and Marcus Ganado take their jam from their basement to the stage as they recently joined forces with Joe Paolella to form garage rock band Mantra. Following a string of well-received gigs, the band recently finished recording a self-titled debut EP, which they will be sharing with the audience at Django’s, Valletta. The event takes place on February 19 at 10pm.
www.facebook.com/mantrabandofficial/
1. Catch Leon Switch live
FDM Crew presents Leon Switch live, in an evening of dubstep, drum & bass and grime. With a career spanning 16 years and a backlog of releases, Leon’s passion for deep, dark drum and bass has seen him record and remix for some of the scene’s true pioneers 2009 pushed him into the limelight with the release of his One of Us album, released under the Kryptic Minds name. Since then, its been a whirlwind of international tours – spanning places as far as New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong, as well as Moscow, Siberia, Ukraine and pretty much of all Europe – and releases. DJs Mist, Depth, Volume A and Alex Thomson will also be playing live sets on the night.
The event takes place next Sunday at Stardust, Sliema.