Following its debut success, which attracted more than 800 visitors, the social event Let’s Caper@Baltic is busily planning its next outing for July with a new mix of local entertainers and international twists ranging from Middle Eastern cuisine to samba dancing.
The monthly evening showcase of live music, comedy, dance and food and drink pop-ups - which was originally called The Great Market Caper - took on a new name when it moved from its original home in Newcastle's Grainger Market across the Tyne to Baltic art gallery. And its first event there, in June, proved a huge success, says organiser Sean Bullick.
Sean, who runs the Caper through his company More Than This Events Ltd, said: "We saw a crowd of over 800 people of all nationalities, ages and backgrounds eating, dancing, laughing and singing along together - what could be better?" The night included vintage stalls, art, showings of retro cartoons in the Baltic cinema and jazz piano sessions in a chill-out zone on the fifth floor.
Sean added: "We were particularly delighted with the Caper’s super-relaxed atmosphere in our fabulous new home." He is now focused upon the next event which will be on July 21 and will again take over five floors at Baltic, with a new programme lof entertainment. And he suggests the night, with its attractions for all ages, would make an ideal end-of-term party; warm-up for Pride weekend or celebration for graduating students and their families.
He added: "It promises to be another fantastic showcase for all that is wonderful about the North East." The Caper will have a slightly different layout at the Gateshead riverside gallery this time where guest chefs will include Vasileious Sfakianakis, serving Greek food, and Yasmin Alganzoury of Layla’s Kitchen in Jesmond. Yasmin - who last time joined the likes of David Kennedy, the recently-appointed Chairman's Suite chef at Newcastle United -will make a return visit to create Middle Eastern vegan dishes.
Five bars will be spread throughout the venue and the musical backdrop will be provided by Durham rapper Merczz, who has clocked up 3.5m Spotify listens; Northumberland-based indie covers band The Reissues and - adding a chill-out vibe - North East jazz ensemble The Abbie Finn Trio. Another returning guest will be Andre Viana who is to host more free samba lessons upstairs in the building before Pride DJ Iain MacLeod takes over the floor with a selection of classics and anthems.
And the night's comedy will come courtesy of Gavin Webster, Jack Fox and Sam Mayes, with Elaine Robertson acting as host. Other attractions at the Caper, which will run from 7pm until midnight, will include 'live art' and stalls selling retro and 'mid-century' gifts while Baltic's cinema this time will host a musical theatre singalong. For tickets, costing £15 plus a 75p booking fee, see here.
