Arts

RUPERT WATTS celebrates 25 years of a unique club for trade unionists.

LET me tell you a story about John Stevens, probably the most powerfully creative jazz drummer that Britain has ever produced.

ABDUL MASOUD discusses why the dabke dance style is so important to Palestinians.

BETH PORTER on why the happy-ever-after movie weddings will never be a true reflection on real life.

POEM OF THE WEEK: Three Fragments by Geoffrey Hazard.

IAN SINCLAIR is touched by Walter Schels and Beate Lakotta's intimate protraits.

WHAT does May Day signify for you? This is a question that a number of progressive musicians and film-makers asked themselves in preparation for a cultural event on May 1 at London's Bridewell Hall.

"THE greatest trumpet player I've heard in this life," said Charles Mingus about Thad Jones, the middle brother of pianist Hank and drummer Elvin, born in Pontiac, Michigan in 1923.

INTERVIEW: Marxist historian ERIC HOBSBAWM considers what's in store for the British economy, US global power and socialism.

POEM OF THE WEEK: Small evacuee observing crows by Margaret Leff