Travellin' Canalside Blues

Brendan Hawthorne is a poet, playwright, writer and musician, based in the industrial West Midlands.

First published in 2004 by bluechrome in the Hobo Poet series, he has since released four poetry collections through various publishers and seven titles of local interest for Bradwell Books.

Productions of his two plays, 'Hard Graft; All for 23 Bob' and 'Two Mothers of Distant Sons', have combined his love of storytelling and music, receiving critical acclaim. 

A viral hit in 2017,  Brendan's appearance on BBC Radio WM on Black Country Day has gained over a quarter-of-a-million views to date. He stood on Anthony Gormley's 4th Plinth in Trafalgar Square and appeared on BBC One's The One Show translating Shirley Bassey lyrics into Black Country dialect to the Dame herself!

Brendan is honoured to be Poet Laureate of Wednesbury, his adopted home town, and in 2017 was made one of the Black Country 100 Masters. As an arts facilitator, he has worked on numerous commissions including NHS, English Heritage and National Trust.

He hosts a monthly acoustic and spoken word evening, showcasing local talent, at Wednesbury Library on the last Tuesday of every month. He is also one half of the Boonyeds comedy duo.