19/07/2026
Yesterday’s 25 XING YEARS event was a joy! You can read all about it someday in the No Computers history books - for now, some photos:
The first one of me Jeff Hilson and Iris Colomb was taken by Valera Simonchuk.
Next two were taken by Jeff, around dusk. Look at all those Xing people!
I noted some performers who were particularly No-Computers-y (although I did enjoy all 80+!):
Sacha Kahir: a unique, hypnotic poet who also jammed with us at the end.
James Coghill: discussing mushrooms, with accompaniment from NC regular Robin Bale.
Sophie Herxheimer: read from her text collage miniatures, so cool!
Jo Morrison: her strange recitation of “dream bags jaguar shoes” was our mantra for the evening.
David Hackbridge Johnson & Paul Frank Rodgers: I’d seen them before so knew what to expect. Totally bonkers!
Ghazal Mosadeq: I always enjoy this poet’s calm, graceful delivery. Perfect for the setting.
Colin Lee Marshall: de-re-construction of language which especially caught my ear.
Chris Gutkind: read works by some deceased Xing The Line poets, very moving.
Ivor Kallin & John Bisset: our feature from NC 7, Ivor letting it rip and what the heck was John playing??
Martin Hackett: was using some sort of speak-and-spell, it was fun!
Ben Watson: I knew this guy as an improviser, he has quite a way with words.
Vicky Sparrow: led the crowd in some “light” audience participation!
Adam Bohman: was in rare form with his “Ohio” American accent. I was devastated to honk the horn!
Carlos Cociña: visiting from Chile, he read in Spanish, it was music to my ears 🎶
Poppy Liqueur & Andy Page: delivered something characteristically, delightfully morbid.
Cat Chong: a somber, powerful reading with accompaniment from NC regular Gardyloo Spew .
Montenegro/Fisher: our feature from NC 6, they led the crowd in a drone against drones - what bliss!
Thanks to Iris, Jeff, The Old Church, and all performers and attendees, let’s do this again in 2051!
