Kate Risker's blog

Rare Breed Turning Thirty

To celebrate my 30^th birthday I planned a country folk themed party and named it ‘Rare Breeds’. The theme was inspired by the venue, The Redchurch which is decked out in traditional red velvet seating, frilly lampshades and hunting scene paintings.

I asked guests to dig out there country props and attire as a stylish take on the fancy dress theme. I planned a photo shoot at the venue which included my own personal props including a huge trophy I won for eventing, rosettes, saddle and vintage hunting crop. Check out the pictures here. The super friendly bar staff served punch in huge vintage glass bowls which were devoured by guests. 

People came from far and wide and it was amazing to have so many friends from all different walks of life: school, horse riding, work and other friends from London. It was a great opportunity for new friendships as many close friends had the chance to meet that had never met before.

BOXED

BOXED PIC

Back in my student days I ran a charity gig called ‘Break-In’ showcasing emerging talent in Leeds. One of the artists was Shlomo, experimental human beat boxer. His vocal talents have taken him far and he is now an artist in residence at the Southbank Centre.

 

Shlomo kindly invited me to the launch of his new night ‘Boxed’ a theatrical beat box show. On surely one of the coldest nights of January with several people snowed in, it didn’t stop the crowd giving the beat boxing crew a extremely warm welcome onstage. The crowd were so enamored and frenzied by the end of the show, people stood in applause.

 

I felt the show could have been shortened a lot, but there were some terrific highlights. My favorite parts were the Human Turntables and Human Drums where people became instruments- very clever stuff, LOVED it. The finale was also a highlight where the ten beat boxers performed songs from 80’s, 90’s and noughties via pure vocal styles. I’d totally recommend the show, although I believe they were only doing a handful of dates. I hope they will perform it again at this years festivals.