On the last Sunday of every month, there is a pleasant surprise to be had at the
Florence Arms, Southsea Hants. Tongues and Grooves has been in residence since 2003, and welcomes a wide range of poets and performers, from artists of local origin to those of international reputation. Maggie Sawkins (pictured below), the author of 'Zig Zag Woman', is co-founder, organiser and one of the hosts of Tongues and Grooves.

Sawkins presents the performers with a gentleness and humour that lends well to
the warm and inclusive atmosphere, inviting to a newcomer, like myself.

The small performance space, bathed in the yellow light of The Florence, was crowded with Tongues and Grooves regulars and those new to the event. The venue was more than full, with many latecomers having to stand at the back of the pub, a testament to the already established reputation and now the increasing
popularity of Tongues and Grooves.

Under the guidance of the MC, the night opened with ‘open mic’, a perfect
opportunity for inexperienced and unpublished poets to take part, share their
work and gain confidence. Ultimately adding valuable texture to the evening..

Excellent contributions were made by a diversity of poets, male and female, in
particular a young female, Deanne Burch, a singer and guitarist who performed
her own material. From new poets and performers to an award-winning poet - next
on the line up was Denise McSheehy reading from her prize winning collection
'Salt' published in 2008 by Poetry Can. McSheehy, originally from Brighton has
enjoyed success in major poetry competitions and even broadcast on BBC radio.
Opening with a quotation from the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, 'memory is one
of the greatest resources for a poet', McSheehy adds that memory often works
through our senses, an apt opening her subtle verse.

Denise McSheey

McSheeshy graced the audience with the poem 'Swan's drinking at Midnight', poignant, delicate and beautiful - the last line 'a swan drinking at midnight' - lingered long after McSheehy's first performance. Her later performance included 'Woman with a Bird in her Head', selected in the best individual poems category of the Templer Poetry Pamplet Competition. The poem is based upon a Native American painting and is dedicated to McSheehy's daughter. The meaningful lines 'A bird for my daughter a head to hold it', and the bird flying a head for flying' and lastly 'for my daughter on blue-white mornings in a dazzle of feathers all her life', a beautiful poem of a mother's wish for her daughter.

Midway though the set, a tribute was held to Heather Hart, a former Tongues and
Grooves regular who recently took her own life aged 47.The tribute was lead by
Maggie Sawkins with the haunting poem 'Unfinished Poems for a Friend', in
keeping with the Tongues and Grooves spirit..The intimacy of the pub setting
favours audience participation, which came to the fore during the musical
performances. Tongues and Grooves blend of music and poetry adds an extra
dimension to the evening's experience, ensuring there is something for everyone.

The audience had their first opportunity to participate in a quality performance
of natural plain song by Janet Ayers, Natural Voice Practitioner, and a rare
glimpse into the oral tradition as well as testing the audience's memory.

Sue Apicella, a Tongues and Grooves organiser, contributed a capella versions of
well known English Folk, and notably, an a capella performance of 'The Rose'
written by Bettie Midler, a moving interpretation leaving more than one of those
present with a sombre thought. Towards the end of the evening the audience joined in with ‘Driving Down The Middle Lane' performed by both Sue Apicella and
Barry Reah, rounding off a special night of interactive live performance.

Tongues and Grooves both offers a 'platform for local talent' as well as
attracting poets from across the United Kingdom and the globe. The great
diversity of poets is reflected in the musicians, which means there is a great
range and a depth of entertainment on offer.

Alan Buckley

Mc Sheehy, herself, was impressed by the warmth and intimacy of the event: 'A great venue with a mixture of ages and a musical ingredient that lends a liveliness and human - feeling'. The next Tongues and Grooves is set to feature the poet Alan Buckley, a poet from Merseyside currently working towards his first collection, with 'The Pompey Pluckers', a ukulele band, headlining the musical aspect of the evening.

The performance starts at 8pm, finishing at 10.30pm, and is an affordable £3/£2
concession. Potential ‘open mic’ candidates are advised to contact Maggie
Sawkins. Tongues and Grooves has its own internet website where you will find
tips for ‘open mic’ reading and profiles of past and present contributors:
http://www.tongues-and-grooves.org.uk/index.htm.

A valediction to Heather Hart (pictured above), with a profile and selection of her poetry, is included on the ‘Tongues and Grooves’ website. You can also follow Tongues and Grooves on Facebook and receive reminders of the date of the next performance. Unique on the Portsmouth cultural scene, Tongues and Grooves is an absolute must for an evening away from the television, and a rare gem of inclusive and quality entertainment.