The very busy team at the That's News organisation have added another online magazine to their already extensive stable of publications. That's Beauty and Living.
A spokesman explained: "The new publication carries news, views and information about beauty, beauty products and articles on living. It will not be solely about female beauty. That's Beauty and Living will cover male beauty and grooming, too. It will also feature fashions."
He went on to say: "This is part of the general trend away from paper-based publication in the publications industry. Not only is it more environmentally sustainable it means that news can be got out to the public much quicker. Sometimes within minutes.
"Depending on the lead time of an individual print-based magazine, it can take weeks or even months for a hot news item to get out to the public. By which time it has considerably cooled off. Our turnaround time is so quick that it has even being noticed by professionals in the industry.
"One harassed PRO of a major beauty firm praised That's Beauty and Living. She told us: "This is the quickest turnaround time for a story in my entire working life! Well done, and thank you!"
www.thatsnews.org.uk
http://thatsbeautyandliving.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Putting Norwich on the musical map. Pit Viper
Pit Viper have gone from a hard hitting promotions company to a full blown record label with their first signing “Into Flight”: A band that will take the musical world by storm with their wonderfully unique brand of ambient rock music. Now in partnership with Pit Viper, “Into Flight” will be writing some of the songs that will certainly put Norwich on the map as a musical hub.
As of the 19th April 2008 “Into Flight” became part of the Pit Viper family. From here the band will be writing and rehearsing new music ready to take East Anglia by storm, with a series of gigs later in the year, followed by the eagerly anticipated recording of their new EP. A lot has been planned out between the band and the team at Pit viper and everyone is truly excited by this new partnership.
This also means great things for Norwich music - already a vibrant and developing scene, with bands coming to play at various venues from all over the country. A Norwich band on the world musical map will show everyone that Norwich is a cultural hive of talent and great entertainment.
http://www.pitviper.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/intoflightband
Operababes Baby Joy!
Karen England, one half of the international multi platinum singing sensation, The [http://www.operababes.com|Operababes], has given birth to a baby girl. A spokesman from the Operababes management company released the following press statement: ‘Karen and husband Jonathan are ecstatic - Mother and new baby Freya are doing very well. Her singing partner Rebecca Knight was by her bedside and is over the moon.’
Operababes celebrate a decade of singing together this year.
They started busking in London’s Covent Garden in 1998 and were spotted in 2000 by a passer by who happened to book the entertainment for the FA Cup Final.
They sang at the first FA Cup Final held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and within 12 hours had five major record deals on the table.
After signing a six figure deal to SONYBMG, they released their debut album which reached Number 1 across the globe.
Since then, they have performed for kings, queens, popes and presidents all over the world and recently made history by becoming the first UK Classical Act to play glitzy Las Vegas.
They will be touring in concert throughout the UK this Autumn.
http://www.operababes.com
http://www.myspace.com/operababes
Operababes celebrate a decade of singing together this year.
They started busking in London’s Covent Garden in 1998 and were spotted in 2000 by a passer by who happened to book the entertainment for the FA Cup Final.
They sang at the first FA Cup Final held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and within 12 hours had five major record deals on the table.
After signing a six figure deal to SONYBMG, they released their debut album which reached Number 1 across the globe.
Since then, they have performed for kings, queens, popes and presidents all over the world and recently made history by becoming the first UK Classical Act to play glitzy Las Vegas.
They will be touring in concert throughout the UK this Autumn.
http://www.operababes.com
http://www.myspace.com/operababes
World's First "Satcom" Finds The Funny Side of The M6 Motorway
Audio sketch show to provide comic relief to Bank Holiday / M6 motorists
Being stuck in traffic is no laughing matter but that's all set to change thanks to a new audio comedy sketch show.
230 Miles of Love, the world’s first 'satcom', launches on Thursday 1st May and promises to take comedy to places it’s never been before – namely the M6 Motorway.
Writer and creator Andrew Shanahan has coined the term satcom which refers to a comedy broadcast via satellite navigation technology.
So, not only is 230 Miles of Love the first audio sketch show about the M6, it’s also the first sketch show on the M6.
People can visit www.230milesoflove.com and download the sketches onto their satnav for free and then when certain points are reached on the M6, a relevant sketch is transmitted via their sat nav.
So, as drivers cruise past Junction 20 they get to hear all about the Thelwall Viaduct’s exhausted poet-in-residence and as they approach the M6 Toll road they hear For Whom The Toll Tolls, the only game show that asks whether you’re going to risk getting stuck in traffic on the original M6, or take the Toll; the sketch even ends differently depending on which way the driver goes.
230 Miles of Love features performances from professional comedians John Warburton and Louise Conran and up-and-coming stars like John Thorp, Chris Rea and Mel Moon.
As well as enlivening the journeys of thousands of people, the show aims to raise £23,000 for The Motivation Charitable Trust, which provides wheelchairs to people in developing countries.
230 Miles of Love is the first in a series of comedies in a project called Moving Audio. Shanahan said:
“The M6 is an ideal location and subject for comedy. Hundreds of thousands of people use the road every day, which gives you a ready-made audience and even better is that nearly every traveller wants to entertained. With the advances in satnav technology, it seemed like a natural progression to look at this as a new medium and explore what it could do to brighten up a long journey.”
With drivers being able to download the show onto their satnavs, PDAs and mobile phones or simply listen at home on their mp3 players and computers, the show couldn’t have come at a better time for drivers who find themselves bored by the monotony of the motorways.
“230 Miles of Love is the first show in a series of programmes I’m writing about transport and location. I’m aiming to deliver them all in different ways, so for example the series culminates in a show that will be broadcast into space, creating the world’s first SETIcom. Basically, the project is all about doing odd things with technology, places and comedy and hopefully doing some good along the way,” explains Shanahan.
The charity chosen to benefit from 230 Miles of Love is The Motivation Charitable Trust, an organisation that works in developing countries to enhance the quality of life of people with mobility disabilities.
“Motivation works with thousands of people around the world who have little or no mobility. We hope that listeners who experience the simultaneous joy and frustration of the M6 through this witty new show will give generously to show their support for those who don’t have the same opportunity to be mobile,” said Lucy Tarallo from the Trust.
Visit www.230milesoflove.com
Being stuck in traffic is no laughing matter but that's all set to change thanks to a new audio comedy sketch show.
230 Miles of Love, the world’s first 'satcom', launches on Thursday 1st May and promises to take comedy to places it’s never been before – namely the M6 Motorway.
Writer and creator Andrew Shanahan has coined the term satcom which refers to a comedy broadcast via satellite navigation technology.
So, not only is 230 Miles of Love the first audio sketch show about the M6, it’s also the first sketch show on the M6.
People can visit www.230milesoflove.com and download the sketches onto their satnav for free and then when certain points are reached on the M6, a relevant sketch is transmitted via their sat nav.
So, as drivers cruise past Junction 20 they get to hear all about the Thelwall Viaduct’s exhausted poet-in-residence and as they approach the M6 Toll road they hear For Whom The Toll Tolls, the only game show that asks whether you’re going to risk getting stuck in traffic on the original M6, or take the Toll; the sketch even ends differently depending on which way the driver goes.
230 Miles of Love features performances from professional comedians John Warburton and Louise Conran and up-and-coming stars like John Thorp, Chris Rea and Mel Moon.
As well as enlivening the journeys of thousands of people, the show aims to raise £23,000 for The Motivation Charitable Trust, which provides wheelchairs to people in developing countries.
230 Miles of Love is the first in a series of comedies in a project called Moving Audio. Shanahan said:
“The M6 is an ideal location and subject for comedy. Hundreds of thousands of people use the road every day, which gives you a ready-made audience and even better is that nearly every traveller wants to entertained. With the advances in satnav technology, it seemed like a natural progression to look at this as a new medium and explore what it could do to brighten up a long journey.”
With drivers being able to download the show onto their satnavs, PDAs and mobile phones or simply listen at home on their mp3 players and computers, the show couldn’t have come at a better time for drivers who find themselves bored by the monotony of the motorways.
“230 Miles of Love is the first show in a series of programmes I’m writing about transport and location. I’m aiming to deliver them all in different ways, so for example the series culminates in a show that will be broadcast into space, creating the world’s first SETIcom. Basically, the project is all about doing odd things with technology, places and comedy and hopefully doing some good along the way,” explains Shanahan.
The charity chosen to benefit from 230 Miles of Love is The Motivation Charitable Trust, an organisation that works in developing countries to enhance the quality of life of people with mobility disabilities.
“Motivation works with thousands of people around the world who have little or no mobility. We hope that listeners who experience the simultaneous joy and frustration of the M6 through this witty new show will give generously to show their support for those who don’t have the same opportunity to be mobile,” said Lucy Tarallo from the Trust.
Visit www.230milesoflove.com
Greener festival camping
MYHAB, the cool new place to crash at festivals is now taking bookings online at myhab.com. Lovelier, Cosier, Greener!
Let’s face it, tents aren’t great. Every year at festivals, they’re abandoned –unwanted and unloved – left to a long slow death in a landfill somewhere....rubbish.
This brand new luxury festival accommodation service is green, affordable and hassle free. So if you’re looking for a great alternative to a soggy tent miles from the action, myhab could be just the ticket.
Made from ultra tough recycled plastic and water proof cardboard every bit of these new cool two-person living spaces comes from within the UK. Check in to myhab and say hello to hassle free camping! Arrive at the festival to find your own myhab ready and waiting for you. Easy.
The benefits:
• Affordable luxury! No hassle finding a space, pitching your tent and taking it down (and no guy ropes to watch out for in the dark)
• Comfy – soft foam bedding to ensure the hours you catch are blissful
• Eco-friendly – made with recycled parts that get recycled again
• Cool days and dry nights – a door at each end allows air during the day and the raised base keeps the nights damp free.
• Lockable box - with your own personal safety deposit box too
• Hot showers and spotless loos – exclusive to myhabbers in myvillage
• 24 hour help – from the myhab crew on-site
• Personalised – avoid stumbling embarrassingly into the wrong myhab, personalise your own with a nickname, character or message when you book online.
myhab will be at this year’s Reading, Leeds, Latitude, T in the Park, Connect, Wickerman, Oxegen, Electric Picnic and End of the Road festivals so far.
Check in to myhab. myhab.com
Priced £120 per person*, per festival, no matter how many nights you’re there!
The making of myhab…
James Dunlop, 24, came up with the idea for myhab as a student at Bristol UWE. He noticed that several thousand tents were cold-heartedly abandoned at festivals each year. Not only did this mean a shed load of clearing up to do for the organisers, but it also meant tons of un-recyclable rubbish ended up in landfill after each event.
James’ solution: a reusable/recyclable, luxury accommodation service for festival-goers, as an affordable, green alternative to shivering in and then abandoning a soggy tent.
James won the prestigious New Designers award (2006) which gave him the confidence to turn his idea into a business. After much planning and consideration James decided to seek funding in the city. In a Dragon’s Den style situation, James pitched his idea to city firm MINT who offered him investment to realise the business.
The myhab service saves festival-goers the hassle of taking and pitching a tent (if they can find a decent spot). And it helps the organisers by reducing the number of orphaned tents they need to get rid of. myhab is affordable, green, luxury and, dare we say it, pretty darn cool.
Let’s face it, tents aren’t great. Every year at festivals, they’re abandoned –unwanted and unloved – left to a long slow death in a landfill somewhere....rubbish.
This brand new luxury festival accommodation service is green, affordable and hassle free. So if you’re looking for a great alternative to a soggy tent miles from the action, myhab could be just the ticket.
Made from ultra tough recycled plastic and water proof cardboard every bit of these new cool two-person living spaces comes from within the UK. Check in to myhab and say hello to hassle free camping! Arrive at the festival to find your own myhab ready and waiting for you. Easy.
The benefits:
• Affordable luxury! No hassle finding a space, pitching your tent and taking it down (and no guy ropes to watch out for in the dark)
• Comfy – soft foam bedding to ensure the hours you catch are blissful
• Eco-friendly – made with recycled parts that get recycled again
• Cool days and dry nights – a door at each end allows air during the day and the raised base keeps the nights damp free.
• Lockable box - with your own personal safety deposit box too
• Hot showers and spotless loos – exclusive to myhabbers in myvillage
• 24 hour help – from the myhab crew on-site
• Personalised – avoid stumbling embarrassingly into the wrong myhab, personalise your own with a nickname, character or message when you book online.
myhab will be at this year’s Reading, Leeds, Latitude, T in the Park, Connect, Wickerman, Oxegen, Electric Picnic and End of the Road festivals so far.
Check in to myhab. myhab.com
Priced £120 per person*, per festival, no matter how many nights you’re there!
The making of myhab…
James Dunlop, 24, came up with the idea for myhab as a student at Bristol UWE. He noticed that several thousand tents were cold-heartedly abandoned at festivals each year. Not only did this mean a shed load of clearing up to do for the organisers, but it also meant tons of un-recyclable rubbish ended up in landfill after each event.
James’ solution: a reusable/recyclable, luxury accommodation service for festival-goers, as an affordable, green alternative to shivering in and then abandoning a soggy tent.
James won the prestigious New Designers award (2006) which gave him the confidence to turn his idea into a business. After much planning and consideration James decided to seek funding in the city. In a Dragon’s Den style situation, James pitched his idea to city firm MINT who offered him investment to realise the business.
The myhab service saves festival-goers the hassle of taking and pitching a tent (if they can find a decent spot). And it helps the organisers by reducing the number of orphaned tents they need to get rid of. myhab is affordable, green, luxury and, dare we say it, pretty darn cool.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Coldplay News
Coldplay announce a free single to download, a free show in London and New York, and their album moves forward to a June 12 release in the UK.
“Violet Hill”, Coldplay’s first single from the new album “Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends” will be available as a free download from their website www.coldplay.com for one week starting tomorrow, April 29 at 12.15pm. At that time the single will be played for the first time on radio and will simultaneously be available free exclusively from the website, a week ahead of its general digital release. The digital release will be a conventional paid-for release on May 6.
At the same time, www.coldplay.com will have preliminary details of two free shows that the band will play, one in London and one in New York.
The free shows are:
LONDON BRIXTON ACADEMY: JUNE 16
NEW YORK MADISON SQUARE GARDEN: JUNE 23
Please check coldplay.com for details of how to win tickets and please do not contact the venues as no tickets will be available to buy.
Meanwhile, the release of Coldplay’s new album “Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends” has been brought forward four days in the UK to bring it into line with global release dates. The release date is now June 12.
The album comprises ten brand new tracks produced by Brian Eno and Markus Dravs.
The track listing is;
LIFE IN TECHNICOLOR
CEMETERIES OF LONDON
LOST!
42
LOVERS IN JAPAN/REIGN OF LOVE
YES
VIVA LA VIDA
VIOLET HILL
STRAWBERRY SWING
DEATH AND ALL HIS FRIENDS
“Violet Hill”, Coldplay’s first single from the new album “Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends” will be available as a free download from their website www.coldplay.com for one week starting tomorrow, April 29 at 12.15pm. At that time the single will be played for the first time on radio and will simultaneously be available free exclusively from the website, a week ahead of its general digital release. The digital release will be a conventional paid-for release on May 6.
At the same time, www.coldplay.com will have preliminary details of two free shows that the band will play, one in London and one in New York.
The free shows are:
LONDON BRIXTON ACADEMY: JUNE 16
NEW YORK MADISON SQUARE GARDEN: JUNE 23
Please check coldplay.com for details of how to win tickets and please do not contact the venues as no tickets will be available to buy.
Meanwhile, the release of Coldplay’s new album “Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends” has been brought forward four days in the UK to bring it into line with global release dates. The release date is now June 12.
The album comprises ten brand new tracks produced by Brian Eno and Markus Dravs.
The track listing is;
LIFE IN TECHNICOLOR
CEMETERIES OF LONDON
LOST!
42
LOVERS IN JAPAN/REIGN OF LOVE
YES
VIVA LA VIDA
VIOLET HILL
STRAWBERRY SWING
DEATH AND ALL HIS FRIENDS
Sunday, April 27, 2008
International Blues artist, Roy Young makes American Debut at New Orleans Jazz Festival
New Album, ”Memphis”, produced by the legendary Willie Mitchell, set for release Summer 2008 on Tommy Boy Entertainment, but is already available on I-Tunes as a digital download.
With most musical roads running through Memphis and New Orleans, Tommy Boy Records announced today that newly signed Roy Young, an explosive Blues and Soul vocalist, will make his U.S. debut at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, on Sunday April 27, 2008 (3:45pm – 4:55pm) at the Southern Comfort Blues Stage. In step with the Soul/Blues legends of the past, Roy is a powerful singer that harnesses the emotions and perseverance of the Blues deftly delivering them with the modern urgency of today.
Upon hearing Roy’s soaring vocals, Rosie Lopez, Senior Vice President of Tommy Boy Entertainment declared “It would be a shame if the world did not know this man and his music.” Signed to Tommy Boy Entertainment, Roy’s first album entitled, “Memphis” is scheduled for release in Summer 2008.
The album, first recorded in Melbourne under the direction of Daniel and Gideon Frankel was re-recorded in Memphis. “Tommy Boy’s goal was to surround Roy’s voice with dirty blues and funk grooves, true distinctive Soul music”, states Tom Silverman, CEO and founder of Tommy Boy Entertainment and the best place and the best person to achieve this was in Memphis at Royal Studios with legendary producer, Willie Mitchell. Mitchell, the recording kingpin who produced Al Green’s numerous classics “Let’s stay Together”, “Tired of Being Alone” also guided the recording careers of Blues and Soul powerhouses Otis Clay and Syl Johnson among many others.
Motown arranger and trumpet player Gil Askey was brought in to write the horn and string arrangements for the album and to add his deeply moving and unmistakable muted trumpet to the ballads.
Mitchell, who quickly assembled an all-star ensemble of Memphis based musicians including Steve Potts, Leroy Hodges, Charles “Skipp” Pitts, Lester Snell and Preston Shannon, prodded Roy to find his other voice, “his sweet one”. The result is Roy Young’s deeply soulful, and emotionally urgent musical tour de force debut album entitled “Memphis”. Roy sensually delivers what could only be described as progressive Soul with Rhythm & Blues. Songs range from the traditional Memphis soul sound on “Don’t Call it Love” where Roy’s emotional vocals betray his deep sensual desire to the Soul remake of R.E.M’s, “Everybody Hurts” where Roy’s vocals groove with the Memphis horns redefine this rock classic to “Half Past July”, a funky dark reggae-tinged lament that evoke Roy’s Jamaican roots. “Turn Right at Midnight” is a classic Soul song for a new millennium.
Born in a shantytown in Jamaica. Roy knows adversity. While his peers listened to the early Ska sounds of Lee Scratch Perry, Roy immersed himself in the sounds of The Dells, The Drifters and The Temptations. At the age of 13, Roy emmigrated to England during the great West Indian migration where he promptly gravitated to the American R&B and Soul music of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke and Sam Cooke.
At the young age of 15, Roy joined his first band, a nine-piece outfit called The Workshop. After touring and performing throughout Europe, Russia and the Middle East, Roy met Haim Saban who became a close mentor and proponent of his career. Throughout the '70s and '80s, Roy performed with some of the most notable European artists including John Baldry whose song “Let The Heartache Begin” was a #1 hit on the UK charts and Arthur Brown whose song “Fire” was a chart topper.
During this time Roy became known as the Jamaican Soul singer, he was signed to EMI London in the early eighties where he recorded an unreleased album that had such notable guest as Marvin Gaye and Pat Rizzo of War. During a tour in Israel, Roy met his current wife, Orly which prompted his relocation to Israel.
The convergence of seasoned musicians, arrangers, and producers with Roy Young has resulted in the next chapter of Soul music, “Who would have thought that a Jamaican born singer, who is living in Tel Aviv, would be the one responsible for saving Soul Music in the U.S." states Willie Mitchell, Executive Producer and Head of Royal Studios.
www.royyoung.net
With most musical roads running through Memphis and New Orleans, Tommy Boy Records announced today that newly signed Roy Young, an explosive Blues and Soul vocalist, will make his U.S. debut at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, on Sunday April 27, 2008 (3:45pm – 4:55pm) at the Southern Comfort Blues Stage. In step with the Soul/Blues legends of the past, Roy is a powerful singer that harnesses the emotions and perseverance of the Blues deftly delivering them with the modern urgency of today.
Upon hearing Roy’s soaring vocals, Rosie Lopez, Senior Vice President of Tommy Boy Entertainment declared “It would be a shame if the world did not know this man and his music.” Signed to Tommy Boy Entertainment, Roy’s first album entitled, “Memphis” is scheduled for release in Summer 2008.
The album, first recorded in Melbourne under the direction of Daniel and Gideon Frankel was re-recorded in Memphis. “Tommy Boy’s goal was to surround Roy’s voice with dirty blues and funk grooves, true distinctive Soul music”, states Tom Silverman, CEO and founder of Tommy Boy Entertainment and the best place and the best person to achieve this was in Memphis at Royal Studios with legendary producer, Willie Mitchell. Mitchell, the recording kingpin who produced Al Green’s numerous classics “Let’s stay Together”, “Tired of Being Alone” also guided the recording careers of Blues and Soul powerhouses Otis Clay and Syl Johnson among many others.
Motown arranger and trumpet player Gil Askey was brought in to write the horn and string arrangements for the album and to add his deeply moving and unmistakable muted trumpet to the ballads.
Mitchell, who quickly assembled an all-star ensemble of Memphis based musicians including Steve Potts, Leroy Hodges, Charles “Skipp” Pitts, Lester Snell and Preston Shannon, prodded Roy to find his other voice, “his sweet one”. The result is Roy Young’s deeply soulful, and emotionally urgent musical tour de force debut album entitled “Memphis”. Roy sensually delivers what could only be described as progressive Soul with Rhythm & Blues. Songs range from the traditional Memphis soul sound on “Don’t Call it Love” where Roy’s emotional vocals betray his deep sensual desire to the Soul remake of R.E.M’s, “Everybody Hurts” where Roy’s vocals groove with the Memphis horns redefine this rock classic to “Half Past July”, a funky dark reggae-tinged lament that evoke Roy’s Jamaican roots. “Turn Right at Midnight” is a classic Soul song for a new millennium.
Born in a shantytown in Jamaica. Roy knows adversity. While his peers listened to the early Ska sounds of Lee Scratch Perry, Roy immersed himself in the sounds of The Dells, The Drifters and The Temptations. At the age of 13, Roy emmigrated to England during the great West Indian migration where he promptly gravitated to the American R&B and Soul music of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke and Sam Cooke.
At the young age of 15, Roy joined his first band, a nine-piece outfit called The Workshop. After touring and performing throughout Europe, Russia and the Middle East, Roy met Haim Saban who became a close mentor and proponent of his career. Throughout the '70s and '80s, Roy performed with some of the most notable European artists including John Baldry whose song “Let The Heartache Begin” was a #1 hit on the UK charts and Arthur Brown whose song “Fire” was a chart topper.
During this time Roy became known as the Jamaican Soul singer, he was signed to EMI London in the early eighties where he recorded an unreleased album that had such notable guest as Marvin Gaye and Pat Rizzo of War. During a tour in Israel, Roy met his current wife, Orly which prompted his relocation to Israel.
The convergence of seasoned musicians, arrangers, and producers with Roy Young has resulted in the next chapter of Soul music, “Who would have thought that a Jamaican born singer, who is living in Tel Aviv, would be the one responsible for saving Soul Music in the U.S." states Willie Mitchell, Executive Producer and Head of Royal Studios.
www.royyoung.net
Bands Fight For Isle Of Wight Appearance
BT invites Britain’s best unsigned acts to battle for an exclusive spot at this year’s festival!
BT, the primary sponsor of this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, today announces a Battle of the Bands contest to give the UK’s hottest new musical talent a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform on the main stage this summer. The 3-day festival takes place in June and will include performances from the Sex Pistols, The Police and Ian Brown.
Unsigned bands, wannabe solo artists and up-and-coming DJs are being given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of rock greats including The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie, all of whom have appeared at the legendary festival. Entrants will be required to upload a track at www.bt.com/isleofwight complete with a biography and photograph.
The competition will be judged by an expert judging panel who will select finalists from ten regional heats, with the live final taking place at the top of the BT Tower on Saturday 31st May. The judging panel will include Isle of Wight organiser John Giddings and BT’s Matthew Dearden.
The BT Battle of the Bands competition aims to provide a platform for the rising stars of the UK music scene to showcase what they are really made of in front of a massive audience of both potential fans and the cream of the UK music industry.
Matthew Dearden, director of home phones says “BT”s new Battle of the Bands competition not only offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for an unsigned act to appear at the famous Isle of Wight Festival, but extends a helping hand to aspiring musical talent, exposing the eventual winner to an audience of thousands. We’re pleased to be able to be able to support homegrown talent and are looking forward to hearing the entries.”
Now in its seventh year, since its reincarnation in 2002, the Isle of Wight Festival is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive and well-loved festivals on the calendar – scooping the two UK Festival Awards for Best Major UK Festival and Outstanding Contribution to Festivals. The Isle of Wight Festival takes place 13th – 15th June at Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight.
http://www.isleofwightfestival.com/
BT, the primary sponsor of this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, today announces a Battle of the Bands contest to give the UK’s hottest new musical talent a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform on the main stage this summer. The 3-day festival takes place in June and will include performances from the Sex Pistols, The Police and Ian Brown.
Unsigned bands, wannabe solo artists and up-and-coming DJs are being given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of rock greats including The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie, all of whom have appeared at the legendary festival. Entrants will be required to upload a track at www.bt.com/isleofwight complete with a biography and photograph.
The competition will be judged by an expert judging panel who will select finalists from ten regional heats, with the live final taking place at the top of the BT Tower on Saturday 31st May. The judging panel will include Isle of Wight organiser John Giddings and BT’s Matthew Dearden.
The BT Battle of the Bands competition aims to provide a platform for the rising stars of the UK music scene to showcase what they are really made of in front of a massive audience of both potential fans and the cream of the UK music industry.
Matthew Dearden, director of home phones says “BT”s new Battle of the Bands competition not only offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for an unsigned act to appear at the famous Isle of Wight Festival, but extends a helping hand to aspiring musical talent, exposing the eventual winner to an audience of thousands. We’re pleased to be able to be able to support homegrown talent and are looking forward to hearing the entries.”
Now in its seventh year, since its reincarnation in 2002, the Isle of Wight Festival is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive and well-loved festivals on the calendar – scooping the two UK Festival Awards for Best Major UK Festival and Outstanding Contribution to Festivals. The Isle of Wight Festival takes place 13th – 15th June at Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight.
http://www.isleofwightfestival.com/
MAD DETECTIVE. (But is he that mad?)
Last year's largest grossing Hong Kong film -- the smash-hit MAD DETECTIVE -- is one of the freshest and most satisfying visits to the cinema in a decade. The traditional Hong Kong police film is turned on its head: the imaginative twist being our hero, Detective Bun, who has the ability to 'see' people's inner personalities or "hidden ghosts".
Detective Bun (a role created specifically created for Lau Ching Wan) was recognised as a talented criminal profiler until he sliced off his right ear to offer as a gift at his chief's farewell party.
Branded as 'mad' and discharged from the force, he has lived in seclusion with his beloved wife May (Kelly Lin) ever since. Strangely, Bun has the ability to 'see' a person's inner personality, their subconscious desires, emotions, and mental state. When a missing police gun is linked to several heists and murders, hotshot Inspector Ho (Andy On) calls on the valuable skills of his former mentor Bun to help unlock the killer's identity. However, Bun's unorthodox methods point to a fellow detective and take a schizophrenic turn for the worse...
Breaking new ground and establishing new cinematic rules, Johnnie To's latest giddily entertaining collaboration with Wai Ka Fai radically raises the level of storytelling in modern film. This ingenious realisation of a supernaturally gifted copper is fast-paced and furious, yet also complex and disturbingly funny.
Nominated for the Golden Lion at Venice and winner of multiple accolades worldwide, including Best Screenplay at the Asian Film Awards 2008, MAD DETECTIVE has been simultaneously thrilling multiplexes and cerebrally challenging arthouses across the world. MAD DETECTIVE certainly lives up to its hype!
"See the original MAD DETECTIVE in cinemas now before Hollywood screw up the remake!" warned a spokesman.
Exclusive First Run at the ICA (Institute Of Contemporary Arts) 18 July 2008, then at cinemas nationwide.
Watch the Trailer Posted NOW on You Tube: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0AL1fZqfvgA
Detective Bun (a role created specifically created for Lau Ching Wan) was recognised as a talented criminal profiler until he sliced off his right ear to offer as a gift at his chief's farewell party.
Branded as 'mad' and discharged from the force, he has lived in seclusion with his beloved wife May (Kelly Lin) ever since. Strangely, Bun has the ability to 'see' a person's inner personality, their subconscious desires, emotions, and mental state. When a missing police gun is linked to several heists and murders, hotshot Inspector Ho (Andy On) calls on the valuable skills of his former mentor Bun to help unlock the killer's identity. However, Bun's unorthodox methods point to a fellow detective and take a schizophrenic turn for the worse...
Breaking new ground and establishing new cinematic rules, Johnnie To's latest giddily entertaining collaboration with Wai Ka Fai radically raises the level of storytelling in modern film. This ingenious realisation of a supernaturally gifted copper is fast-paced and furious, yet also complex and disturbingly funny.
Nominated for the Golden Lion at Venice and winner of multiple accolades worldwide, including Best Screenplay at the Asian Film Awards 2008, MAD DETECTIVE has been simultaneously thrilling multiplexes and cerebrally challenging arthouses across the world. MAD DETECTIVE certainly lives up to its hype!
"See the original MAD DETECTIVE in cinemas now before Hollywood screw up the remake!" warned a spokesman.
Exclusive First Run at the ICA (Institute Of Contemporary Arts) 18 July 2008, then at cinemas nationwide.
Watch the Trailer Posted NOW on You Tube: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0AL1fZqfvgA
Happy 25th Birthday to ‘True’! Spandau Ballet’s Landmark No1 Single
On 30th April 1983, one of the UK’s most enduring, globally adored songs went to No.1 for four weeks in the UK, subsequently reaching this position also in 20 other countries. Spandau Ballet were on a tour in the UK when the single ’True’ was released from their third album (also named ‘True’). Both the single and the album hit the top of the charts and catapulted the band into worldwide superstardom.
Until that point, two singles from the album, ‘Lifeline’ and ‘Communication’, had both made the Top 10 but when the lushly produced, intensely romantic ballad ‘True’ hit No.1, everything changed. The already sold-out tour turned to pandemonium, and security needed to be brought in as thousands of screaming girls descended on the final dates. The band’s first No.1 was then celebrated at the party of all parties aboard a boat trip down the Thames after the band’s performance at the Royal Festival Hall.
To date, the timeless ‘True’ has notched up almost 4 million radio performances in North America alone, according to BMI, and continues to be a favourite on mainstream UK radio play lists and radio stations worldwide. It has been covered and adapted many times by other artists all over the world and has been particularly adopted by the R&B community and adapted and sampled with great success many times by, amongst others, PM Dawn, Teddy Riley, Nelly and most recently Lloyd.
The track has also featured in countless feature films including blockbusters Charlie’s Angels, The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates and many, many TV shows worldwide. It is also soon to feature as the soundbed to a new M&S Food advert. ‘True’ is also, of course, the ‘our song’ of thousands, and a perennial beloved favourite at wedding discos the length and breadth of Britain!
On 5th May, EMI will celebrate this 25th Anniversary by digitally releasing a brand new ‘True’ EP, which will include the original single, a new mix by Gary Kemp and original co-producer Tony Swain, the remastered album version, plus a spine-tingling live recording of ‘True’ and another Spandau classic hit ‘Gold’ from the last show of that infamous 1983 tour, at Sadlers Wells.
This will then be followed in the Summer by a comprehensive Spandau Ballet ‘Sight & Sound’ CD & DVD which will include all the hits and their accompanying promo videos in one package.
Gary Kemp will be talking about the writing of ‘True’, and performing the song acoustically for the first time since he presented it to the band in 1982, in an episode devoted to him in a new series on Sky Arts, channel no. 267, called ‘Songbook’, first airing on 8th May.
‘True’ EP digital release: 5th May
Spandau Ballet Sight & Sound CD/DVD: Summer 2008
Until that point, two singles from the album, ‘Lifeline’ and ‘Communication’, had both made the Top 10 but when the lushly produced, intensely romantic ballad ‘True’ hit No.1, everything changed. The already sold-out tour turned to pandemonium, and security needed to be brought in as thousands of screaming girls descended on the final dates. The band’s first No.1 was then celebrated at the party of all parties aboard a boat trip down the Thames after the band’s performance at the Royal Festival Hall.
To date, the timeless ‘True’ has notched up almost 4 million radio performances in North America alone, according to BMI, and continues to be a favourite on mainstream UK radio play lists and radio stations worldwide. It has been covered and adapted many times by other artists all over the world and has been particularly adopted by the R&B community and adapted and sampled with great success many times by, amongst others, PM Dawn, Teddy Riley, Nelly and most recently Lloyd.
The track has also featured in countless feature films including blockbusters Charlie’s Angels, The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates and many, many TV shows worldwide. It is also soon to feature as the soundbed to a new M&S Food advert. ‘True’ is also, of course, the ‘our song’ of thousands, and a perennial beloved favourite at wedding discos the length and breadth of Britain!
On 5th May, EMI will celebrate this 25th Anniversary by digitally releasing a brand new ‘True’ EP, which will include the original single, a new mix by Gary Kemp and original co-producer Tony Swain, the remastered album version, plus a spine-tingling live recording of ‘True’ and another Spandau classic hit ‘Gold’ from the last show of that infamous 1983 tour, at Sadlers Wells.
This will then be followed in the Summer by a comprehensive Spandau Ballet ‘Sight & Sound’ CD & DVD which will include all the hits and their accompanying promo videos in one package.
Gary Kemp will be talking about the writing of ‘True’, and performing the song acoustically for the first time since he presented it to the band in 1982, in an episode devoted to him in a new series on Sky Arts, channel no. 267, called ‘Songbook’, first airing on 8th May.
‘True’ EP digital release: 5th May
Spandau Ballet Sight & Sound CD/DVD: Summer 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
London Anticipates Exciting New Festival For Actors
The UK’s first and only trade fair dedicated to advancing the careers of actors and performers in the UK is happening on October 11th 2008.
ActorExpo ‘08 is an exciting event that allows actors and performers, to get insider knowledge from experts and to gain essential face-to-face career advice, across the whole spectrum of the performing arts.
In the same way that ‘Move It - Dance London’ has become a major tradeshow success in the ‘Dance’ Sector, ActorExpo ‘08 caters to the ‘Actors and Performers’ who have been left out for so long.
ActorExpo ‘08 also supports B2B - for small to medium sized arts based businesses to attend to network, connect and grow with one another.
The event is completely FREE for actors and visitors to attend which supports the organiser’s vision, of making the arts accessible for everyone.
Visit the website for more information and if you wish to attend the Expo or if you wish to register your business to be involved in the Expo.
Our event sponsors include: Casting Call Pro, Ethnic Showcase Talent Agency and PCR.
www.actorexpo.co.uk
Notes for editors
Aim High Events Ltd is a company supported by LYST and the Prince’s Trust.
UK Actor Facts
- 26,000 copies of ‘The Stage’ Newspaper are sold weekly to actors & Performers
(Stage is the acting industry newspaper)
- The Spotlight has over 40,000 actors and performers registered with them
- Casting Call Pro have 30,000 professional and up and coming actors registered with them
- There are currently 19,500 performing arts students in Higher education
Sponsor websites:
http://uk.castingcallpro.com | http://www.ethnicshowcase.com | http://www.pcrnewsletter.com |
Not so "ni-eve"
Young local talent write and produce their own play ‘Ni-eve’ to be performed at the Harrow Arts Centre on the 10th and 11th of May.
“We have created a show that is truly our own," Alex Lipman, Writer and Director, 18
Ni-Eve is a story of greed, dreams and superficial existence. Written and directed by Stanmore’s 18-year-old Alex Lipman of Blazing Sun Youth Theatre, expect twists and turns set in a world of celebs with a surprise ending.
Funding from Harrow Council has helped this group of 16-20 year olds extend their talent to publicity and promotion as well being writers and costume/set designers!
This fantastic piece of work is being performed in the Travellers Studio at the Harrow Arts Centre on Saturday the 10th of May and Sunday the 11th of May.
This production is in association with Bearfoot School of Performing Arts.
Performance Dates: Saturday 10th of May(19:30) and Sunday 11th of May(16:00 and 19:00)
Travellers Studio, Harrow Arts Centre
Box Office & Info: 020 8416 8989 or www.harrowarts.com
Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4EA
Writer and Director Alex Lipman
Alex Lipman is an 18-year-old student from Stanmore. He is currently studying Film and TV production at the University of Westminster where he received a full gold scholarship. Prior to this he took a National Diploma course at Westminster Kingsway College in Regents Park where he studied Acting.
He has been part of the Blazing Sun Youth Theatre for almost seven years.
“It gives me the opportunity to express myself and develop my acting in ways I never found in any other group. Lee Helyer, our teacher, has been a real inspiration to me. This project I have embarked in is a real tribute to Lee, and has given me the chance to showcase how far I have progressed."
Alex has also had an active drama and writing career. At secondary school he wrote and directed a '60s style musical based around teenage gangs in the 1970s. The production ran for three sell out nights and is his proudest achievement to date.
Now he faces his biggest challenge yet. Writing, directing and starring in Ni-Eve. This is a huge task for the whole group. They have taken on individual roles such as, set design, costume, promotion and stage management. They are very excited to showcase their work.
The show
Ni-Eve is a story of greed, dreams and superficial existence. Niles Hadley is a television star of the late 1990s, his career is cut short when he is framed and sent to jail for nine years. In that time the world around him changes, and when he is released he soon realises his fame and admiration is no more. He is now just normal. However his agent plans a controversial revival that is set to rekindle his old celebrity status…
Niles Hadley is to team up with a new and undiscovered talent, Eva. Together they will fake a relationship and let the public believe they are a couple in order to create more opportunities to gain celebrity status.
They soon realise it is not as easy as they first thought, and their worlds quickly come tumbling down around them. With twists and turns in every direction, Ni-Eve draws to a very surprising conclusion.
About the group
This year has seen some changes for the group. Once called Harrow Youth Theatre, they are now Blazing Sun Youth Theatre. It has also been awarded funding by the Harrow Council, which gives the group a lot more opportunities to be creative.
Blazing Sun Youth theatre is aimed at teenagers aged 14+ and offers the opportunity to create real drama. Its work is advanced and style is very unique. They welcome absurd plays that provoke thought and reactions. The majority of the work we do is original writing or devised plays. Previous performances have included “It all Unravels”, a devised piece based around different lives on a city day. “A Midsummer Nights Dream”. A unique stamp on the Shakespeare classic. “The Blue Door”. Ordinary people are invited to the blue door where their fates are decided.
Richard Hearsey Joins Play Radio UK
Richard Hearsey has got a brand new show on Play Two UK every Sunday night from 10pm. Hearsey’s Half Hour - 30 minutes of top flight entertainment, is now a regular part of Play Two UK’s Sunday night Talk schedule, and broadcasts live straight after the Not The Tommy Boyd Show.
Hearsey’s Half Hour features a different guest presenter each week to talk about music, life, love and everything else. The first shows have featured comedian Tim Vine, Bobby Davro, Shaun Williamson and John Archer, and other top personalities have been lined up for forth-coming shows including Chris Tarrant and Steve Furst.
Programme Controller, Lee Moulsdale said: “It’s great to have Richard on-board at Play Radio UK, especially with the different guests popping in. The joy with Internet radio is that it is a lot less regulated than FM stations and TV so it will give listeners a chance to hear their favourite celebrities in a different tone than they would usually.”
Each show is available as a downloadable un-edited pod cast which can be found at www.playradiouk.co./podcasts or you can log on and listen live every Sunday from 10pm via www.playradiouk.com
Play Radio UK.com is an Internet Radio Network comprising of Play Radio UK, Play Classical UK, Play Rock UK, Play Top 40 UK, Play Dance UK, Play Jazz UK, Play Country UK, Play Urban UK, Play Reggae UK, Play Love UK and Play Xmas UK.
Play Radio UK, as a brand, was re-launched in October 2006 and has gone from strength-to-strength ever since, with new streams continually being added and any others in the pipeline for future growth.
The Play Radio UK studios are based in Ford, West Sussex on the South Coast of the UK and boasts state-of-the-art studios that possess the highest quality broadcasting equipment.
Hearsey’s Half Hour features a different guest presenter each week to talk about music, life, love and everything else. The first shows have featured comedian Tim Vine, Bobby Davro, Shaun Williamson and John Archer, and other top personalities have been lined up for forth-coming shows including Chris Tarrant and Steve Furst.
Programme Controller, Lee Moulsdale said: “It’s great to have Richard on-board at Play Radio UK, especially with the different guests popping in. The joy with Internet radio is that it is a lot less regulated than FM stations and TV so it will give listeners a chance to hear their favourite celebrities in a different tone than they would usually.”
Each show is available as a downloadable un-edited pod cast which can be found at www.playradiouk.co./podcasts or you can log on and listen live every Sunday from 10pm via www.playradiouk.com
Play Radio UK.com is an Internet Radio Network comprising of Play Radio UK, Play Classical UK, Play Rock UK, Play Top 40 UK, Play Dance UK, Play Jazz UK, Play Country UK, Play Urban UK, Play Reggae UK, Play Love UK and Play Xmas UK.
Play Radio UK, as a brand, was re-launched in October 2006 and has gone from strength-to-strength ever since, with new streams continually being added and any others in the pipeline for future growth.
The Play Radio UK studios are based in Ford, West Sussex on the South Coast of the UK and boasts state-of-the-art studios that possess the highest quality broadcasting equipment.
The North Devon Festival 10th Year
Big stars - Big events - Special commissions
£48million boost for local economy
From 27 events to over 200 in just 10 years
The North Devon Festival returns for the whole of June with its biggest and best series of events yet to mark its 10th anniversary. Top artists to visit the Festival include Paul Merton, Alfie Boe, Angelina Ballerina, Courtney Pine, Laury Dizengremel, Toots and the Maytals, Lee Evans and Billy Cobham, featured alongside the outstanding regular events GoldCoast Oceanfest, Appledore Visual Arts Festival, Lynton & Lynmouth Music Festival and Art Trek.
Special commissions include the spectacular light and sound experience of Barnstaple Colourscape Festival and a new theatre production by Bash Street Theatre, part of the Festival’s tradition of touring shows to villages.
Over the last 10 years, the North Devon Festival has attracted nearly a million people to participate in events, 40% of whom came from outside the region. This in turn has helped develop the tourism of the area and, in the last five years alone, the Festival has generated an incredible £48 million for the economy of North Devon.
Ten years on
When it first began in 1999, the festival ran for 16 days involving just 27 events. Now, 10 years on, it has become an amazing large scale ‘festival of festivals’ spanning the whole month of June and featuring over 200 events in hundreds of locations throughout the region.
Building on success and quality, many elements within the Festival have expanded over the years. Art Trek, an open studios event, began with four artists in 2004; it now features over 60 artists that can be visited over one long, exciting weekend.
More recently, the Fringe ’08 Theatrefest (a drama extravaganza) began last year with just eight companies at one venue; for this Festival it numbers 21 so far (with three from overseas) at three venues.
Another event celebrating it’s 10th birthday is the GoldCoast Oceanfest. Europe’s coolest festival and the biggest event within the North Devon Festival is back from 20th – 22nd June with more beach sports, surfing, kids activities, market stalls and music from headliner Donavon Frankenreiter.
Three of the country’s most popular funny-men visit the festival this year, Paul Merton on 13th and 14th of June, Simon Amstell on 21st June, and a return visit from Lee Evans on 26th June.
Other highlights during the festival are the West End musical Blood Brothers from 2nd – 7th June, the Move It Shake It community extravaganza, another commissioned Smash Boyz event and a spectacular concluding Festival week with a jazz feel that includes the US darlings of the college circuit Bad Plus, the Cuban band Asere with Billy Cobham and a big party finish at the Factory with the James Taylor Quartet.
The North Devon Festival shares its 10th birthday with the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe which is one of the main venues for the Festival. Part of North Devon Theatres, the Landmark provides excellent facilities for arts and cultural activities with a 483 seat theatre, a large flat floor multi-purpose space, a café and a tourist information centre.
A greener Festival
As well as arts and sport, the North Devon Festival celebrates the glorious countryside, sweeping moors and dramatic coastline of the area. North Devon is listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has Britain’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognising the high quality environment. Many events in the Festival incorporate the beautiful surroundings, wildlife and lifestyle of this unique place, including the Devon Wildlife Festival and Devon Rocks.
Community participation
The Festival unites the whole of North Devon and depends on the talent and initiative of the local people who give up their time to organise and run many of the events, such as the Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration which runs for a week and involves everything from education projects, suffragettes storming the Landmark and Rodney Bewes enacting the life of Jerome K. Jerome. Volunteers have clocked up a staggering 106,000 enjoyable hours over the past 10 years, with one saying, “Its been great, it’s like a month long party”.
It’s this variety of community involvement mixed with the top-quality arts and entertainment, the familiar and eagerly anticipated blockbuster events, and the spectacular setting that makes the festival so special.
With so much going on, there is sure to be something for everyone and the perfect excuse to get out and about, and with over 50% of the events being free, the North Devon Festival is truly accessible for everyone.
For more information visit the website at www.northdevonfestival.org.uk
Friday, April 25, 2008
Arts based businesses wanted for New Exhibition in London
Aim High Events Ltd would like to invite submissions & applications for their forthcoming actors’ exhibition at The Royal Horticultural Halls on Saturday 11th October 2008.
The show is inviting all Arts based businesses and arts based schools (performing arts schools) to come and get involved in this new and exciting actors’ festival.
ActorExpo ‘08 is the UK’s first and only trade fair ‘dedicated to advancing the careers of actors’ and performers in the UK and it’s happening soon.
ActorExpo ‘08 is an event that allows actors and performers, to get insider knowledge from experts and to gain essential face-to-face career advice, across the whole spectrum of the performing arts.
There will be an exhibitor hall, workshops and seminars and a LIVE performance stage.
We welcome submissions from both exhibitors and groups who want to perform live at the show.
In the same way that ‘Move It’ (Dance London) has become a major tradeshow success in the ‘Dance’ Sector, ActorExpo ‘08 caters to the ‘Actors and Performers’ who have been overlooked for a long time.
ActorExpo ‘08 massively supports B2B - for small to medium sized arts based businesses to attend to network, connect and grow with one another. We ideally would like to hear from businesses that offer tools to actors’ to help them advance their careers.
Please get in touch if you are one of the following:
- Photographers | Acting & vocal coaches - Stage schools | - Show reel services
- Script services and script writers
- Hair & beauty experts
- Unions & official organisation reps - Fitness experts | Life skill teachers, motivators
- Casting Agents
… And any arts based business that an actor can use and learn from.
The event is completely FREE for actors and visitors to attend which supports the organiser’s vision, of making the arts accessible for everyone.
For further information or an event pack, please contact the team:
Tel: 0208 320 2111 | Email: info@actorexpo.co.uk | Web: www.actorexpo.co.uk
Red Funnel offer ticket and ferry travel packages to Osborne House concerts
Red Funnel, the Isle of Wight ferry specialist, are offering tickets to both the Paul Weller concert on 26 July and the Girl Aloud concert on 27 July both to be held in the grounds of Osborne House in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, under a mile from the Red Funnel ferry terminal.
With an amazing catalogue of records from The Jam, Style Council and his solo work, Paul Weller has an amazing repertoire that includes 'A town called Malice', 'That's Entertainment’,’ Wild Woods', 'You do something to me' and many more. Joining Paul Weller are indie rock four piece The Rifles and Arno Carstens, the South African rock star who featured at the 2007 Isle of Wight Festival.
Red Funnel has now announced they are able to offer fans ferry travel and accommodation packages to see Paul Weller at Osborne House.
Girls Aloud have become one of the most successful British pop groups of the decade, with a record-breaking 18 consecutive Top 10 singles (including three number ones), five platinum albums (including a number one) and record sales in excess of 4.2 million in the UK alone. With hits including their debut 'Sound of the Underground', 'Love Machine' and 'Jump' the pop princesses are set to light up the Island. Support acts will be confirmed shortly. Red Funnel has also announced that they are able to offer tickets to see the Girls Aloud at Osborne House concert which includes ferry travel and accommodation.
Both events take place just a mile from the Red Funnel ferry terminal in East Cowes, at Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria, which is one of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions and the beautifully landscaped grounds provide the perfect setting for the summer concerts.
For most UK mainland residents, travelling from Southampton to the Isle of Wight by ferry will be the easiest way to get to the concerts, with Red Funnel’s passenger vehicle ferries operating hourly from Southampton to East Cowes, with frequent scheduled buses with shuttle buses running from both terminals to the festival and official campsite.
Red Funnel Ferries has a fleet of 3 modern purpose-built ro-ro ferries sailing between Southampton and East Cowes and a fleet of 4 Red Jet hi-speed passenger catamarans operating between Southampton and West Cowes. Both services operate year-round.
Red Funnel also specialise in Isle of Wight accommodation, event and attraction tickets, activities, car hire, rail travel, insurance and much more.
With an amazing catalogue of records from The Jam, Style Council and his solo work, Paul Weller has an amazing repertoire that includes 'A town called Malice', 'That's Entertainment’,’ Wild Woods', 'You do something to me' and many more. Joining Paul Weller are indie rock four piece The Rifles and Arno Carstens, the South African rock star who featured at the 2007 Isle of Wight Festival.
Red Funnel has now announced they are able to offer fans ferry travel and accommodation packages to see Paul Weller at Osborne House.
Girls Aloud have become one of the most successful British pop groups of the decade, with a record-breaking 18 consecutive Top 10 singles (including three number ones), five platinum albums (including a number one) and record sales in excess of 4.2 million in the UK alone. With hits including their debut 'Sound of the Underground', 'Love Machine' and 'Jump' the pop princesses are set to light up the Island. Support acts will be confirmed shortly. Red Funnel has also announced that they are able to offer tickets to see the Girls Aloud at Osborne House concert which includes ferry travel and accommodation.
Both events take place just a mile from the Red Funnel ferry terminal in East Cowes, at Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria, which is one of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions and the beautifully landscaped grounds provide the perfect setting for the summer concerts.
For most UK mainland residents, travelling from Southampton to the Isle of Wight by ferry will be the easiest way to get to the concerts, with Red Funnel’s passenger vehicle ferries operating hourly from Southampton to East Cowes, with frequent scheduled buses with shuttle buses running from both terminals to the festival and official campsite.
Red Funnel Ferries has a fleet of 3 modern purpose-built ro-ro ferries sailing between Southampton and East Cowes and a fleet of 4 Red Jet hi-speed passenger catamarans operating between Southampton and West Cowes. Both services operate year-round.
Red Funnel also specialise in Isle of Wight accommodation, event and attraction tickets, activities, car hire, rail travel, insurance and much more.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Essential Festival Kit From Black & Decker®
Looking forward to braving another British summer under canvas and rocking out in a field? Camping doesn’t have to mean roughing it, just remember to make space for some of the latest kit to take the edge off. Black & Decker® have a number of clever gadgets that will make the festival season much more enjoyable.
Struggling around a campsite after dark can be quite a daunting experience. Not only do you have to dodge swarms of other revellers but the maze of guy ropes can also prove particularly tricky after a day of festival delights.
The Black & Decker® LIGHT BAR™ is a cordless, ultra bright LED light bar. Its polycarbonate break-resistant outer shell means that it can survive in even the liveliest of situations. With a seven hour run time and over 10,000hrs of use guaranteed, you can rely on the LIGHT BAR™ to help get you back to your tent. It is also fitted with a swivel hanging hook which attaches easily to car bonnets and tents. (BDBB26 LIGHT BAR™, RRP £29.99)
If you’re looking for something a little bit more hard core, try the Black & Decker® Multi Spot Light Plus Power Source. This heavy duty torch boasts quartz halogen bulbs which deliver a bright tight beam. The rubber backed pistol grip design provides balance and comfort whilst the water resistant housing ensures added durability whatever the weather.
Not only can you charge this beast of a torch at home, but the DC vehicle adapter means it can also be recharged in you car. Better still, it boasts a 12v DC power outlet, which can be used to power/recharge other DC appliances such as mobile phones and digital cameras. (BDV158 Multi Spot Light Plus Power Source, RRP £69.99)
The Black & Decker® Travel Cooler, Warmer and Freezer is ideal for long journeys, festival weekends or camping trips, the multi-functional device can cool food and drink to -7°C or warm it to 48°C.
The model has a nine litre capacity and is fitted with a separate freezer compartment and ice tray. There are also dual drinks can holders and a separate zippered pouch in which to store accessories such as knives and forks. The Travel Cooler’s compact design means that it will fit on a car seat or in a foot well for easy access, with a carry strap perfect for lugging across fields.
The Cooler/Warmer is powered through the 12v DC supply and is equipped with a thermoelectric system which automatically detects ambient temperature and self-regulates to keep food and drink at the proper temperature, compensating for hot summer days or cold nights. (BDV212F Travel cooler/warmer, RRP £69.99)
The Black & Decker® Automotive Range is available from Argos.
For general enquiries, stockists, service and technical advice, please contact 01753 511234 or visits www.blackanddecker.eu
Struggling around a campsite after dark can be quite a daunting experience. Not only do you have to dodge swarms of other revellers but the maze of guy ropes can also prove particularly tricky after a day of festival delights.
The Black & Decker® LIGHT BAR™ is a cordless, ultra bright LED light bar. Its polycarbonate break-resistant outer shell means that it can survive in even the liveliest of situations. With a seven hour run time and over 10,000hrs of use guaranteed, you can rely on the LIGHT BAR™ to help get you back to your tent. It is also fitted with a swivel hanging hook which attaches easily to car bonnets and tents. (BDBB26 LIGHT BAR™, RRP £29.99)
If you’re looking for something a little bit more hard core, try the Black & Decker® Multi Spot Light Plus Power Source. This heavy duty torch boasts quartz halogen bulbs which deliver a bright tight beam. The rubber backed pistol grip design provides balance and comfort whilst the water resistant housing ensures added durability whatever the weather.
Not only can you charge this beast of a torch at home, but the DC vehicle adapter means it can also be recharged in you car. Better still, it boasts a 12v DC power outlet, which can be used to power/recharge other DC appliances such as mobile phones and digital cameras. (BDV158 Multi Spot Light Plus Power Source, RRP £69.99)
The Black & Decker® Travel Cooler, Warmer and Freezer is ideal for long journeys, festival weekends or camping trips, the multi-functional device can cool food and drink to -7°C or warm it to 48°C.
The model has a nine litre capacity and is fitted with a separate freezer compartment and ice tray. There are also dual drinks can holders and a separate zippered pouch in which to store accessories such as knives and forks. The Travel Cooler’s compact design means that it will fit on a car seat or in a foot well for easy access, with a carry strap perfect for lugging across fields.
The Cooler/Warmer is powered through the 12v DC supply and is equipped with a thermoelectric system which automatically detects ambient temperature and self-regulates to keep food and drink at the proper temperature, compensating for hot summer days or cold nights. (BDV212F Travel cooler/warmer, RRP £69.99)
The Black & Decker® Automotive Range is available from Argos.
For general enquiries, stockists, service and technical advice, please contact 01753 511234 or visits www.blackanddecker.eu
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Penny Black Remedy live at Kentish town Forum
As Finalists for Best Alternative Act 2008, The Penny Black Remedy have been invited to perform live alongside The Buzzcocks and Starsailor at UK Indy Music Awards, The Kentish Town Forum, 25th April 2008
North London-based band The Penny Black Remedy are set to play the UK Indy Music Awards finals this Friday 25th April. The Awards are the result of a nationwide search to highlight the best independent venues, promoters and artists in the UK. Short listed for the Best Alternative Act 2008, sponsored by Gibson guitars, The Penny Black Remedy will be showcasing their blend of Country, Balkan and Punk alongside other awards finalists with special performances by Starsailor and The Buzzcocks.
The Penny Black Remedy are proud to be performing at the Awards. Keith M Thomson (guitarist / songwriter) says “We’re honoured to have been short listed for the Indy Awards Finals and the invitation to perform on the night is our way of saying a massive thank you to everyone who voted for us.”
Continuing to build upon a string of seminal live shows The Penny Black Remedy are fast becoming known as a must see band. Talking after their pre-Indy Music Awards showcase at 229 Club, Great Portland Street, 29th February 2008, promoter Shaun Litton raved “The Penny Black Remedy don't really play venues, they more like storm them. A powerhouse of a band that reminds you just how powerful live music can be."
Following on from the Awards, The Penny Black Remedy have been invited as special guest support for:
The Outside Royalty, 28th April, Madame JoJos, Soho, London
Who are launching their single “Falling” on Bloody Awful Poetry Records
The Zen Hussies, 20th May, 100 Club, Oxford Street, London
Who are officially launching their EP “Continental Adaptor”
The Penny Black Remedy are rumoured to be using both Madame JoJos and the 100 Club performances as a testing ground for new material to be included on their highly anticipated debut album, due for release later this year. Their album (as yet to be named) will be recorded in Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
+++
The Penny Black Remedy are:
Keith M Thomson (Guitar/Vocals)
Marijana Radcliffe (Vocals/Percussion)
Steve Nelson (Bass/Vocals)
Wilco van Eijk (Drums/Vocals)
http://www.thepennyblackremedy.com
http://www.indyawards.co.uk
North London-based band The Penny Black Remedy are set to play the UK Indy Music Awards finals this Friday 25th April. The Awards are the result of a nationwide search to highlight the best independent venues, promoters and artists in the UK. Short listed for the Best Alternative Act 2008, sponsored by Gibson guitars, The Penny Black Remedy will be showcasing their blend of Country, Balkan and Punk alongside other awards finalists with special performances by Starsailor and The Buzzcocks.
The Penny Black Remedy are proud to be performing at the Awards. Keith M Thomson (guitarist / songwriter) says “We’re honoured to have been short listed for the Indy Awards Finals and the invitation to perform on the night is our way of saying a massive thank you to everyone who voted for us.”
Continuing to build upon a string of seminal live shows The Penny Black Remedy are fast becoming known as a must see band. Talking after their pre-Indy Music Awards showcase at 229 Club, Great Portland Street, 29th February 2008, promoter Shaun Litton raved “The Penny Black Remedy don't really play venues, they more like storm them. A powerhouse of a band that reminds you just how powerful live music can be."
Following on from the Awards, The Penny Black Remedy have been invited as special guest support for:
The Outside Royalty, 28th April, Madame JoJos, Soho, London
Who are launching their single “Falling” on Bloody Awful Poetry Records
The Zen Hussies, 20th May, 100 Club, Oxford Street, London
Who are officially launching their EP “Continental Adaptor”
The Penny Black Remedy are rumoured to be using both Madame JoJos and the 100 Club performances as a testing ground for new material to be included on their highly anticipated debut album, due for release later this year. Their album (as yet to be named) will be recorded in Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
+++
The Penny Black Remedy are:
Keith M Thomson (Guitar/Vocals)
Marijana Radcliffe (Vocals/Percussion)
Steve Nelson (Bass/Vocals)
Wilco van Eijk (Drums/Vocals)
http://www.thepennyblackremedy.com
http://www.indyawards.co.uk
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Salford Graduate Stars In New BBC Sketch Show 1
A Salford University media and performance graduate is the new face of BBC3’s Scallywagga – a comedy sketch show filmed around Salford and Manchester and due to be aired for the first time on 29 April.
Joanna Higson, who graduated in 2006, plays over 20 different characters in the fast-paced new show - aimed at a student audience and featuring up-and-coming young comedy stars as well as Sally Lindsey (Coronation Street) and Neil Fitzmaurice (Phoenix Nights).
Joanna’s main character – ‘Greggs Girl’ - has the catchphrase, “Is there a Gregg’s round here?” and pops up unexpectedly throughout the show, on the hunt for a pasty.
Joanna explained: “The sketches are lively and quite surreal. The show was really fun to make and we all had a real laugh. Going back to some of my old student haunts for the filming was great and it was brilliant experience for me.”
Since graduating from Salford, Joanna has had roles in ITV’s Cold Blood and the BBC’s The Street and, more recently, has starred in productions at the Octagon Theatre in her home town of Bolton.
“I really enjoyed my time at Salford and it’s prepared me well for my acting career,” she said. “I learnt loads from the course and the lecturers were inspirational, especially Mark Bishop and Lloyd Peters.”
Joanna follows in the footsteps of fellow Bolton comedian and Salford graduate, Peter Kay who also studied comedy at the University. Lecturer Lloyd Peters said: “Joanna has great comedy timing and I knew she’d do well. She always made me laugh on the course, anyway! I’m delighted her career is taking off and look forward to watching her on many more shows in the future.”
(EDITOR: In the olden days the "Greggs Girl sketch" would not have been allowed by ITV, let alone the BBC!)
Joanna Higson, who graduated in 2006, plays over 20 different characters in the fast-paced new show - aimed at a student audience and featuring up-and-coming young comedy stars as well as Sally Lindsey (Coronation Street) and Neil Fitzmaurice (Phoenix Nights).
Joanna’s main character – ‘Greggs Girl’ - has the catchphrase, “Is there a Gregg’s round here?” and pops up unexpectedly throughout the show, on the hunt for a pasty.
Joanna explained: “The sketches are lively and quite surreal. The show was really fun to make and we all had a real laugh. Going back to some of my old student haunts for the filming was great and it was brilliant experience for me.”
Since graduating from Salford, Joanna has had roles in ITV’s Cold Blood and the BBC’s The Street and, more recently, has starred in productions at the Octagon Theatre in her home town of Bolton.
“I really enjoyed my time at Salford and it’s prepared me well for my acting career,” she said. “I learnt loads from the course and the lecturers were inspirational, especially Mark Bishop and Lloyd Peters.”
Joanna follows in the footsteps of fellow Bolton comedian and Salford graduate, Peter Kay who also studied comedy at the University. Lecturer Lloyd Peters said: “Joanna has great comedy timing and I knew she’d do well. She always made me laugh on the course, anyway! I’m delighted her career is taking off and look forward to watching her on many more shows in the future.”
(EDITOR: In the olden days the "Greggs Girl sketch" would not have been allowed by ITV, let alone the BBC!)
Friday, April 18, 2008
American Rocker in London: U.S. Pop-rocker, Darren Farris, Courts the UK with His Gypsy Rock Sound
Awaiting an official release in America, Darren Farris's current single, "Jenna," has already begun to garner him a much needed industry respect and notoriety in the United Kingdom. It is currently the Number 1 single on the UK's Overplay pop/rock charts, as well as other esteemed charting systems globally.
With physical CD sales diminishing globally, opportunities for upcoming musicians run very thin, as the major labels scrounge to get into the digital markets they once shunned. GRM Records announced today that Teamtalk, a market leader in producing in-store radio stations throughout the United Kingdom, has picked up the upcoming Darren Farris single, "Save Me," for broadcast.
Teamtalk's clients include several top national retailers, plus hundreds of pubs, bars and cafés around the UK. Teamtalk Broadcast's flagship in-store radio station, Asda FM Live, was nominated for the Best Digital Network in the annual POPAI awards in 2007. This is yet another great opportunity for the Los Angeles based singer/songwriter to be heard by thousands of attentive listeners daily throughout the UK.
Farris says he is not surprised that "Save Me," is prematurely grabbing a lot of the limelight from his current UK hit, "Jenna."
"After I wrote it [Save Me], I instantly grew attached to the song," says Farris."It is actually the closest thing to a ballad that I have ever written. It made me want to write more [ballads]. If it were physically possible to kiss a song, then I would give that track a big wet one," jokes Farris, as he tries to describe the only ballad, on his new guitar-driven, pop-rocker album, "Psychopathic Issues."
Farris seems to realise that the opportunities the UK music community has given him, are to be appreciated.
"It's great to know that this music is being embraced outside of our home turf," he explains. "To me as a songwriter, it validates my music, as having a universal message- that these melodies and words can connect to all types of people on a larger scale. We are excited about all the opportunities that broadcasting giants like Teamtalk may open up for our music."
While Britons may enjoy, "Save Me," gracing their ears at the check out, Farris's own native land will have to wait, as the U.S. release of,"Save Me," is not scheduled until winter of 2008.
And Light Bulbs UK do theatre and stage lighting, too...
Picture the scene: It’s a stormy, wind-swept night and waves are billowing high around the coastguard’s boat as they sail out in search of a lost trawler. Scanning the waters, they see the capsized fishermen through the glare of their searchlight and it’s only then that it becomes clear how vital something even as small as a light bulb can mean to a successful rescue.
Light Bulbs UK knows how important it is to be able to rely on your equipment and as suppliers of specialists light bulbs from Marine & Navigation lights to Airfield and Medical & Microscope lamps they take their job very seriously.
Whether you’re after a Marine IODE Floodlight, operating theatre lamps or airfield lamps (American or European), Light Bulbs UK has over 9000 products to choose from, available in a wide range of wattages, volts and caps.
On a more artistic bent, their specialist lighting also extends to photographic, theatre and stage lighting with prices starting from as little as £9.44. Their large selection of studio and theatre class lamps cast a shadow on other retailers, with professional grade bulbs that can be purchased online immediately.
There are several benefits to using Light Bulbs UK, other than their comprehensive choice and efficient service. If you spend over £35, delivery is free and sent straight to your door via Express Order. For bulk buying there are even greater savings to be made on their already competitive prices.
As a leading supplier of light bulbs, lamps and fluorescent tubes to both the domestic and business market, Light Bulbs UK’s range includes sun bed tubes, LED light bulbs, metal halide lamps and incandescent light bulbs. With their commitment to environmental issues they also actively encourage the change over to energy saving light bulbs and have a range to fit most requirements.
To see how easy it is to switch to energy saving light bulbs or search their wide variety of styles and brands, visit http://www.lightbulbsuk.co.uk where you can order online and benefit from special offers.
Light Bulbs UK knows how important it is to be able to rely on your equipment and as suppliers of specialists light bulbs from Marine & Navigation lights to Airfield and Medical & Microscope lamps they take their job very seriously.
Whether you’re after a Marine IODE Floodlight, operating theatre lamps or airfield lamps (American or European), Light Bulbs UK has over 9000 products to choose from, available in a wide range of wattages, volts and caps.
On a more artistic bent, their specialist lighting also extends to photographic, theatre and stage lighting with prices starting from as little as £9.44. Their large selection of studio and theatre class lamps cast a shadow on other retailers, with professional grade bulbs that can be purchased online immediately.
There are several benefits to using Light Bulbs UK, other than their comprehensive choice and efficient service. If you spend over £35, delivery is free and sent straight to your door via Express Order. For bulk buying there are even greater savings to be made on their already competitive prices.
As a leading supplier of light bulbs, lamps and fluorescent tubes to both the domestic and business market, Light Bulbs UK’s range includes sun bed tubes, LED light bulbs, metal halide lamps and incandescent light bulbs. With their commitment to environmental issues they also actively encourage the change over to energy saving light bulbs and have a range to fit most requirements.
To see how easy it is to switch to energy saving light bulbs or search their wide variety of styles and brands, visit http://www.lightbulbsuk.co.uk where you can order online and benefit from special offers.
Alaskan Author Signed by the Dunham Group
After living 24 years in the Alaskan wilderness, the Brown family finds Nashville representation to allow them to share their adventurous story in a TV documentary.
VIP Partners, an entertainment and publishing consulting company in Donelson, Tennessee, recently announced that Billy Bryan Brown, author of the autobiography One Wave At a Time has been signed by The Dunham Group, a management and representation agency, with offices in Nashville and L.A.
Brown, born into a family of privilege and wealth in North Richland Hills, Texas, was suddenly orphaned at the age of 16 when his entire family was killed in a private airplane crash over Travis Lake, Texas in 1969.
By the age of 17, he was alone and homeless, throwing him into a near maniacal-like state that lead to a decade-long odyssey of events that changed his life forever.
Several years later, Billy found himself stranded with a young wife and two toddler sons on an uninhabited and desolate island off the coast of Alaska for 18 months. There, in their near death struggles to simply survive, they learned what is truly important in life.
Once rescued from Mosman Island, the Browns stayed in Alaska, choosing to live in the very deepest bush of "the last frontier," as their family grew to seven children through the years.
One Wave At A Time is a 24-year chronicle of their adventures and the extreme dangers they faced as they sought to raise their children to understand the importance of proper choices based on good values and personal responsibility.
Amid the continual threats of bears, wolves, and moose, as well as the dangers they faced while living on a small boat on the unforgiving Alaskan seas, this spell-binding and captivating story vividly showcases the near limitless inner strength of the human soul when faced with adversity.
Billy has also penned a series of children's books, illustrated by the Alaska Wilderness Family children, as well as a book that covers the early years of his life, titled The Lost Years.
David Dunham, CEO of the Dunham Group who will be representing all literary rights of Billy Bryan Brown's current writings, said that One Wave At a Time evokes so many different emotions including intrigue, danger, love, suspense, poignancy and survival, and we are thrilled to be a part of an exciting project like this. The Brown's story is a fascinating amalgamation of "Swiss Family Robinson" meets "The Walton's" meets "Lost" and I know that readers of all ages will be intrigued and inspired by their story."
The Browns, who had been living temporarily in Nashville as they sought representation, are returning to the wilderness of Alaska this month to retrace their years in the bush over a two-month period, filming the journey for a future TV documentary.
For more information see www.alaskawildernessfamily.com.
VIP Partners, an entertainment and publishing consulting company in Donelson, Tennessee, recently announced that Billy Bryan Brown, author of the autobiography One Wave At a Time has been signed by The Dunham Group, a management and representation agency, with offices in Nashville and L.A.
Brown, born into a family of privilege and wealth in North Richland Hills, Texas, was suddenly orphaned at the age of 16 when his entire family was killed in a private airplane crash over Travis Lake, Texas in 1969.
By the age of 17, he was alone and homeless, throwing him into a near maniacal-like state that lead to a decade-long odyssey of events that changed his life forever.
Several years later, Billy found himself stranded with a young wife and two toddler sons on an uninhabited and desolate island off the coast of Alaska for 18 months. There, in their near death struggles to simply survive, they learned what is truly important in life.
Once rescued from Mosman Island, the Browns stayed in Alaska, choosing to live in the very deepest bush of "the last frontier," as their family grew to seven children through the years.
One Wave At A Time is a 24-year chronicle of their adventures and the extreme dangers they faced as they sought to raise their children to understand the importance of proper choices based on good values and personal responsibility.
Amid the continual threats of bears, wolves, and moose, as well as the dangers they faced while living on a small boat on the unforgiving Alaskan seas, this spell-binding and captivating story vividly showcases the near limitless inner strength of the human soul when faced with adversity.
Billy has also penned a series of children's books, illustrated by the Alaska Wilderness Family children, as well as a book that covers the early years of his life, titled The Lost Years.
David Dunham, CEO of the Dunham Group who will be representing all literary rights of Billy Bryan Brown's current writings, said that One Wave At a Time evokes so many different emotions including intrigue, danger, love, suspense, poignancy and survival, and we are thrilled to be a part of an exciting project like this. The Brown's story is a fascinating amalgamation of "Swiss Family Robinson" meets "The Walton's" meets "Lost" and I know that readers of all ages will be intrigued and inspired by their story."
The Browns, who had been living temporarily in Nashville as they sought representation, are returning to the wilderness of Alaska this month to retrace their years in the bush over a two-month period, filming the journey for a future TV documentary.
For more information see www.alaskawildernessfamily.com.
Extant Theatre presents Eye For Um Eye! Saturday 19th April 2008
Eye For Um Eye! is a Forum Theatre piece presented by visually impaired actors, reflecting situations conflicts and dilemmas facing visually impaired people. Both sighted and visually impaired people are invited to the performance and will be encouraged and facilitated to stop the action in the performances, make suggestions for changes and even come up and take part in the drama !
Saturday 19th April 2008
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1.
2.00pm performance.
Supported by Black Country Touring.
This will be a lively and challenging experience for the audience and actors based on Forum Theatre, which is about giving a voice to those not usually given a voice. It also aims to allow open and objective debate between audience and actors about issues relevant to the audience.
www.extant.org.uk
Travel
Wolverhampton is well served with bus, train and tram links to Birmingham and other towns in the West Midlands. The Art Gallery is situated in the centre of Wolverhampton, 5 minutes walk from the bus, train and tram stations.
If you are coming by car, follow the signs for Wolverhampton from the M5, M6 and M54, Wolverhampton Art Gallery is signposted off the city ring road. There are several car parks nearby. The Civic Centre car park is the closest.
Access
Wolverhampton Art Gallery is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities and there is a cafe .
About Extant
Extant is the opposite of extinct. Formed in 1997 Extant was the inspired name chosen by a group of professional visually impaired artists, given to the emergence of a new dynamic space, intended to redress our invisibility as artist and explore new creative territories.
Now Britain's only professional performing arts company of visually impaired people, Extant has become an innovation in arts management and creative practise, bringing a unique cultural perspective of visual impairment to broaden employment, training and Consultancy through the Arts.
Company Number: 051 959 61
Registered Charity Number: 110 8728
Saturday 19th April 2008
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1.
2.00pm performance.
Supported by Black Country Touring.
This will be a lively and challenging experience for the audience and actors based on Forum Theatre, which is about giving a voice to those not usually given a voice. It also aims to allow open and objective debate between audience and actors about issues relevant to the audience.
www.extant.org.uk
Travel
Wolverhampton is well served with bus, train and tram links to Birmingham and other towns in the West Midlands. The Art Gallery is situated in the centre of Wolverhampton, 5 minutes walk from the bus, train and tram stations.
If you are coming by car, follow the signs for Wolverhampton from the M5, M6 and M54, Wolverhampton Art Gallery is signposted off the city ring road. There are several car parks nearby. The Civic Centre car park is the closest.
Access
Wolverhampton Art Gallery is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities and there is a cafe .
About Extant
Extant is the opposite of extinct. Formed in 1997 Extant was the inspired name chosen by a group of professional visually impaired artists, given to the emergence of a new dynamic space, intended to redress our invisibility as artist and explore new creative territories.
Now Britain's only professional performing arts company of visually impaired people, Extant has become an innovation in arts management and creative practise, bringing a unique cultural perspective of visual impairment to broaden employment, training and Consultancy through the Arts.
Company Number: 051 959 61
Registered Charity Number: 110 8728
Royal Shakespeare Company To Use Exterity’s Network IPTV Solution To Stream All Live Theatrical Performances
Newly installed system to allow office staff to view stage productions at any time
As part of an extensive transformation of its Stratford-upon-Avon home, the Royal Shakespeare Company has installed an Exterity network IPTV system. Using the solution, the theatre company will harness its network to stream an image of the stage to a series of LCD screens mounted in the company’s new office building that is located away from its main theatre. This will allow office staff to keep in touch with live events during the performances.
As the first stage, Stage Electrics have installed Exterity’s IPTV encoders and decoders as well as IPTV gateways onto a dedicated ‘closed’ network running between buildings. This will enable the company to stream live images from the video camera that overlooks the stage at its main theatre to eight LCD screens placed through out the Royal Shakespeare’s Chapel Lane offices, located 500 yards from the theatre.
“A key part of our ongoing transformation project is to move all administration, financial and marketing functionalities from our main theatre to a new self-sufficient office facility,” explained Jane Ellis, Communications Manager at the Royal Shakespeare Company. “It is important that all staff can see and hear what is happening in the auditorium, so being able to stream live images of rehearsals and productions will help to create an exciting and dynamic atmosphere outside of the theatre building.”
“The RSC is an ensemble Company and the new administration hub brings together a number of different departments all of who work directly on productions or supporting that work in some way,” commented Colin Farquhar, CEO of Exterity. “With our network IPTV system, the company can constantly remind staff that they are part of a creative and innovative organisation.”
The system has just been completed and plans are already in place to expand the use of the Exterity solution by linking the ‘closed’ network to the main RSC network and hence to the desktop, which will enable all staff to view theatrical performances from their computer or laptop.
“Through using its network to stream all performances, the Royal Shakespeare Company is not only making the most of existing bandwidth but it is also making significant cost savings as the alternative - coaxial systems - can be more expensive for the degree of flexibility required,” added Jonathan Porter Goff, Project Manager, Stage Electrics.
Exterity Limited was formed in 2001 to create products to deliver broadcast quality digital video over IP networks within buildings. Exterity’s products represent a significant advance over the co-axial cable systems in common use today but are viable for deployment in large-scale video distribution systems.
Exterity’s core technology, in-socket™, allows display appliances, such as televisions, to be connected directly to wall-mounted iSockets to get direct and easy access to all available digital media and services. Exterity is based in Edinburgh.
The Royal Shakespeare Company aims to keep audiences in touch with Shakespeare as our contemporary - understanding his work through today's artists, actors and writers. Therefore the Company's repertoire not only includes the work of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, but classic plays by international dramatists and work by living writers. The RSC also produces extensive educations and outreach work to engage more people with Shakespeare's work and live theatre.
The RSC's work is performed throughout the year in Stratford-upon-Avon, regularly in London and throughout the United Kingdom. Although the UK is the Company's home, its audiences are global with regular performances in international theatres.
About Stage Electrics
Stage Electrics was established in 1979 to provide technical services to the Entertainment Industry. As the company has grown, so have its areas of work and expertise. Stage Electrics provides all aspects of lighting and sound for theatre, TV and the events industry – either for sale as a permanent installation or for rental.
Stage Electrics installed all the lighting and sound equipment in the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre – a new venue in Stratford opened in 2006. The relationship continues with a number of smaller projects including this one.
Stage Electrics is based in Bristol with regional office in five other locations (Tyneside, Birmingham, Cambridge, London, and Exeter).
For further information about the RSC and the RSC transformation visit www.rsc.org.uk
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Mr Lucky Bags’ Marvellous new Movie Bag
For all those wannabe Super Heroes, leading novelty confectionery manufacturer Mr Lucky Bags has created the perfect gift with a little bit of help from the latest Marvel Super Hero hitting the big screen this Spring – Iron Man.
Their latest Movie Bag promotes Marvel Studios’ big screen adaptation of Marvel’s legendary Super Hero Iron Man. The film stars Oscar ® nominee Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark / Iron Man the billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is forced to create a life support suit; and after uncovering a nefarious plot with global implications, he uses his powerful suit to help him fight crime as Iron Man. The film also stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges and is directed by Jon Favreau.
Mr Lucky Bags’ new Iron Man Movie Bag coincides with the launch of the film in May. The Movie Bag is a unique concept that combines an activity based movie poster with confectionery and other novelties that are all themed and 100% branded to the movie. This proven strategy is popular at the time of the movie release and also when the movie becomes available on DVD.
The movie bag will be available in most high street shops and is fantastic value, with a pocket-money price from just £1.99. Stock can be reserved for this Limited Edition Movie Bag by contacting Mr Lucky Bags Trade Sales: 01782 268222.
Iron Man is Marvel Studios’ big screen adaptation of the legendary Super Hero.
Their latest Movie Bag promotes Marvel Studios’ big screen adaptation of Marvel’s legendary Super Hero Iron Man. The film stars Oscar ® nominee Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark / Iron Man the billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is forced to create a life support suit; and after uncovering a nefarious plot with global implications, he uses his powerful suit to help him fight crime as Iron Man. The film also stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges and is directed by Jon Favreau.
Mr Lucky Bags’ new Iron Man Movie Bag coincides with the launch of the film in May. The Movie Bag is a unique concept that combines an activity based movie poster with confectionery and other novelties that are all themed and 100% branded to the movie. This proven strategy is popular at the time of the movie release and also when the movie becomes available on DVD.
The movie bag will be available in most high street shops and is fantastic value, with a pocket-money price from just £1.99. Stock can be reserved for this Limited Edition Movie Bag by contacting Mr Lucky Bags Trade Sales: 01782 268222.
Iron Man is Marvel Studios’ big screen adaptation of the legendary Super Hero.
Buskers Take Centre Stage At The London International Music Show
Buskers Take Centre Stage At The London International Music Show!
Access to Music and The London International Music Show join forces to host the UK’s first busking competition.
12-15 June 2008, ExCeL London
Ticket hotline: 01353 660 780
www.londoninternationalmusicshow.co.uk
www.myspace.com/londoninternationalmusicshow
Budding buskers spanning all forms of music will have the chance to take to the stage infront of thousands of visitors at the first ever London International Music Show.
Entrants are being sought for what organisers are hailing as the UK’s first National Buskers’ Competition. Instead of a cold subway or street corner, six specially selected buskers will get a slot on a dedicated stage at the London International Music Show’s Educational Festival on Friday 13 June.
Radio 1 champion of new music, Colin Murray, will judge the six finalists on the day. The winner will be presented with a great prize - a Wharfedale Pro PA system or Yamaha acoustic guitar.
Calling all buskers!!!
Buskers can enter the competition by emailing events@accesstomusic.co.uk with a link to their MySpace page or by attaching an MP3 of a chosen song. Contact details must be included. The competition is open to all ages, however material must be original, not covers.
The Access to Music judges will select the finalists who will battle it out on stage at ExCeL London.
The closing date for entries is Friday 30 May 2008.
The London International Music Show takes place on Thursday 12 – Sunday 14 June at ExCeL London. It includes the hugely successful Drummer Live and London Guitar Show and introduces the brand new Unplugged and Sound Recording Technology shows. With the music capital of the world as its backdrop, this event is set rival established music events across the globe.
Follow London International Music Show online:
www.twitter.com/lims
www.myspace.com/londoninternationalmusicshow
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=24137502392
The London International Music Show, ExCeL, London, 12-15 June 2008
For further information go to: www.londoninternationalmusicshow.com or call the ticket hotline on 01353 660780
Access to Music and The London International Music Show join forces to host the UK’s first busking competition.
12-15 June 2008, ExCeL London
Ticket hotline: 01353 660 780
www.londoninternationalmusicshow.co.uk
www.myspace.com/londoninternationalmusicshow
Budding buskers spanning all forms of music will have the chance to take to the stage infront of thousands of visitors at the first ever London International Music Show.
Entrants are being sought for what organisers are hailing as the UK’s first National Buskers’ Competition. Instead of a cold subway or street corner, six specially selected buskers will get a slot on a dedicated stage at the London International Music Show’s Educational Festival on Friday 13 June.
Radio 1 champion of new music, Colin Murray, will judge the six finalists on the day. The winner will be presented with a great prize - a Wharfedale Pro PA system or Yamaha acoustic guitar.
Calling all buskers!!!
Buskers can enter the competition by emailing events@accesstomusic.co.uk with a link to their MySpace page or by attaching an MP3 of a chosen song. Contact details must be included. The competition is open to all ages, however material must be original, not covers.
The Access to Music judges will select the finalists who will battle it out on stage at ExCeL London.
The closing date for entries is Friday 30 May 2008.
The London International Music Show takes place on Thursday 12 – Sunday 14 June at ExCeL London. It includes the hugely successful Drummer Live and London Guitar Show and introduces the brand new Unplugged and Sound Recording Technology shows. With the music capital of the world as its backdrop, this event is set rival established music events across the globe.
Follow London International Music Show online:
www.twitter.com/lims
www.myspace.com/londoninternationalmusicshow
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=24137502392
The London International Music Show, ExCeL, London, 12-15 June 2008
For further information go to: www.londoninternationalmusicshow.com or call the ticket hotline on 01353 660780
Sony BMG To Release Johnnie Ray – Just Walkin’ In The Rain – The Very Best Of
To his fans and the critics, Johnnie Ray – is regarded as one of the finest Rock ‘n’ Roll singers of the 50s. Released 19th May 2008
Johnnie Ray was a sensation of the ‘50s. His career began to take off in 1952 when he released ‘Cry’ which dominated the charts during that year. His critical and commercial standing was equal to that of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, (some even found his music more forward thinking). As the other half of the Teen Idolism movement (Frank Sinatra being the former) Johnnie Ray released over sixty singles, ten of which were top ten hits in the UK. Three of these were no.1 hits.
This brilliant CD contains 24 of his best-loved tracks, which span across his amazing career. The collection opens with ‘Yes, Tonight Josephine’ (number 1 in 1957, 16 weeks in the charts), ‘Just Walkin’ In The Rain’ (number 1 in 1956, 19 weeks in the charts), ‘Please Mr Sun’ (1952), ‘Such A Night’ (number 1 in 1954, 18 weeks in the charts), ‘Lets Walk That Way’ created with Doris Day in 1952 and ‘Up Above My Head’, created with Frankie Laine.
Johnnie Ray may have died in 1990, but he hasn’t been forgotten. His influences can still be seen to this day, Billy Joel mentioned him in the lyrics of ‘We didn’t start the fire’. Portishead used samples of his voice in ‘Biscuit’ and he’s the topic of the first three verses of ‘Come On Eileen’, by the Dexys Midnight Runners. With the recent resurgence of popular 50s artists performing well in the charts such as Joe Brown, Marty Wilde and Billy Fury, Johnnie Ray looks set to follow suit.
Tracklisting:
1. Yes, Tonight Josephine
2. Hernando’s Hideaway
3. Look Homeward Angel
4. Just Walkin’ In The Rain
5. You Don’t Owe Me A Thing
6. Hey There
7. Such A Night
8. Build Your Love
9. No Wedding Today
10. Miss Me Just A Little
11. Song Of The Dreamer
12. Please Mr Sun
13. The Little White Cloud That Cried
14. Faith Can Move Mountains (with The Four Lads)
15. Walkin’ My Baby Back Home
16. All Of Me
17. Here I Am - Broken Hearted
18. Up Above My Head (with Frankie Laine)
19. If You Believe
20. Ain’t Misbehavin’
21. I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
22. Somebody Stole My Gal
23. Let’s Walk That-A-Way (with Doris Day)
24. Cry
Johnnie Ray was a sensation of the ‘50s. His career began to take off in 1952 when he released ‘Cry’ which dominated the charts during that year. His critical and commercial standing was equal to that of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, (some even found his music more forward thinking). As the other half of the Teen Idolism movement (Frank Sinatra being the former) Johnnie Ray released over sixty singles, ten of which were top ten hits in the UK. Three of these were no.1 hits.
This brilliant CD contains 24 of his best-loved tracks, which span across his amazing career. The collection opens with ‘Yes, Tonight Josephine’ (number 1 in 1957, 16 weeks in the charts), ‘Just Walkin’ In The Rain’ (number 1 in 1956, 19 weeks in the charts), ‘Please Mr Sun’ (1952), ‘Such A Night’ (number 1 in 1954, 18 weeks in the charts), ‘Lets Walk That Way’ created with Doris Day in 1952 and ‘Up Above My Head’, created with Frankie Laine.
Johnnie Ray may have died in 1990, but he hasn’t been forgotten. His influences can still be seen to this day, Billy Joel mentioned him in the lyrics of ‘We didn’t start the fire’. Portishead used samples of his voice in ‘Biscuit’ and he’s the topic of the first three verses of ‘Come On Eileen’, by the Dexys Midnight Runners. With the recent resurgence of popular 50s artists performing well in the charts such as Joe Brown, Marty Wilde and Billy Fury, Johnnie Ray looks set to follow suit.
Tracklisting:
1. Yes, Tonight Josephine
2. Hernando’s Hideaway
3. Look Homeward Angel
4. Just Walkin’ In The Rain
5. You Don’t Owe Me A Thing
6. Hey There
7. Such A Night
8. Build Your Love
9. No Wedding Today
10. Miss Me Just A Little
11. Song Of The Dreamer
12. Please Mr Sun
13. The Little White Cloud That Cried
14. Faith Can Move Mountains (with The Four Lads)
15. Walkin’ My Baby Back Home
16. All Of Me
17. Here I Am - Broken Hearted
18. Up Above My Head (with Frankie Laine)
19. If You Believe
20. Ain’t Misbehavin’
21. I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
22. Somebody Stole My Gal
23. Let’s Walk That-A-Way (with Doris Day)
24. Cry
City Showcase - The Heart Of London Beats With The Talent Of Tomorrow
For 5 days last June, over a million people flocked to central London to witness 400 artists across all music genres perform at 35 different venues. From midday to midnight Londoners mingled, browsed, shopped and listened to great live music at London’s City Showcase. From the 2nd – 6th June this year its back for a sixth consecutive year and promises to be one to remember!
Renowned for showcasing the best in new music, City Showcase has previously played host to Amy Winehouse, Newton Faulkner, Keane, Razorlight, Scouting For Girls, Ray LaMontagne, Hot Chip, Sway and Lady Sovereign who all began their long and winding road to fame and fortune on the City Showcase stage...
Featuring amongst this year’s hotly tipped acts are the “infectious and memorable” (The Guardian) Twin Atlantic, East Londoners We Are The Ocean (who describe themselves as a heavier version of Slipknot!), Nashville’s finest The Young Republic, Irish ‘rockabilly’ singer/songwriter Wallis Bird and The Law, who last year toured the UK with fellow Scottish indie kids The View.
Also fresh from supporting The Wombats in Germany, South African chart toppers The Parlotones (whose last two albums went gold in their home country) have recently added their name to the growing line up. Headlining the Asian night is acclaimed artist Raghav who stormed to success in 2005 at the Asian Music Awards winning Best Artist, Best Single, Best Newcomer and Best Chart Act - to date has notched up 4 top ten UK hits.
The not-for-profit festival sees many London stores and venues open their doors to live music. With venues ranging from Carnaby Street’s hippest fashion boutiques, to The London Astoria, the locations for the 5 day event promise to be as diverse as its many artists (genres will include Rock, Indie, Urban, Singer Songwriter, Jazz, Classical, Electronic, Digital Fusion, Asian and Chinese). Complimenting this will be daily master classes and artistic / business workshops taking place at select London venues.
As well as stars of the future, City Showcase also attracts stars of the past and present. One of the leading innovators from the 80’s and 90’s Acid House movement, Bomb The Bass, who had one of the first sample based chart hits, will be making history when they perform their first live show in the UK for 20 years. Supporting their historic headliner show will be some new exciting acts, who both Bomb The Bass and City Showcase believe to be ‘Ones to Watch’.
Also Jonathan Ansell, former front man of X Factor “Popera” group G4, will be delighting audiences as he takes to the showcase stage. With G4, Jonathan achieved 3 hit albums, record sales in excess of 2 million and a sold out performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Since his departure from G4, a record label bidding war has taken place which resulted in a £1 million pound, 5 album deal with Universal Music Group. His first solo album ‘Tenors at the Movies’ was released last February and went straight to No.1 in the Classical Charts and No.9 in the Pop Charts. Promising to deliver G4 hits as well as material from his new solo album, Jonathan’s performance is one not to be missed.
Music is not the only art central to City Showcase. The emerging fashion scene in the UK is forever increasing and City Showcase has long supported this cause. In the past it has championed the work of hot new design talent from the likes of Oliver Goddard to Craven Gene, and fashion designer and commentator Wayne Hemingway has been a massive supporter of City Showcase’s involvement in the fashion world.
On 2nd June City Showcase will return to London and everyone is invited!
www.myspace.com/twinatlantic
www.myspace.com/theyoungrepublic
www.myspace.com/wallisbird
www.myspace.com/upthelaw
www.myspace.com/wearetheocean.uk
Renowned for showcasing the best in new music, City Showcase has previously played host to Amy Winehouse, Newton Faulkner, Keane, Razorlight, Scouting For Girls, Ray LaMontagne, Hot Chip, Sway and Lady Sovereign who all began their long and winding road to fame and fortune on the City Showcase stage...
Featuring amongst this year’s hotly tipped acts are the “infectious and memorable” (The Guardian) Twin Atlantic, East Londoners We Are The Ocean (who describe themselves as a heavier version of Slipknot!), Nashville’s finest The Young Republic, Irish ‘rockabilly’ singer/songwriter Wallis Bird and The Law, who last year toured the UK with fellow Scottish indie kids The View.
Also fresh from supporting The Wombats in Germany, South African chart toppers The Parlotones (whose last two albums went gold in their home country) have recently added their name to the growing line up. Headlining the Asian night is acclaimed artist Raghav who stormed to success in 2005 at the Asian Music Awards winning Best Artist, Best Single, Best Newcomer and Best Chart Act - to date has notched up 4 top ten UK hits.
The not-for-profit festival sees many London stores and venues open their doors to live music. With venues ranging from Carnaby Street’s hippest fashion boutiques, to The London Astoria, the locations for the 5 day event promise to be as diverse as its many artists (genres will include Rock, Indie, Urban, Singer Songwriter, Jazz, Classical, Electronic, Digital Fusion, Asian and Chinese). Complimenting this will be daily master classes and artistic / business workshops taking place at select London venues.
As well as stars of the future, City Showcase also attracts stars of the past and present. One of the leading innovators from the 80’s and 90’s Acid House movement, Bomb The Bass, who had one of the first sample based chart hits, will be making history when they perform their first live show in the UK for 20 years. Supporting their historic headliner show will be some new exciting acts, who both Bomb The Bass and City Showcase believe to be ‘Ones to Watch’.
Also Jonathan Ansell, former front man of X Factor “Popera” group G4, will be delighting audiences as he takes to the showcase stage. With G4, Jonathan achieved 3 hit albums, record sales in excess of 2 million and a sold out performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Since his departure from G4, a record label bidding war has taken place which resulted in a £1 million pound, 5 album deal with Universal Music Group. His first solo album ‘Tenors at the Movies’ was released last February and went straight to No.1 in the Classical Charts and No.9 in the Pop Charts. Promising to deliver G4 hits as well as material from his new solo album, Jonathan’s performance is one not to be missed.
Music is not the only art central to City Showcase. The emerging fashion scene in the UK is forever increasing and City Showcase has long supported this cause. In the past it has championed the work of hot new design talent from the likes of Oliver Goddard to Craven Gene, and fashion designer and commentator Wayne Hemingway has been a massive supporter of City Showcase’s involvement in the fashion world.
On 2nd June City Showcase will return to London and everyone is invited!
www.myspace.com/twinatlantic
www.myspace.com/theyoungrepublic
www.myspace.com/wallisbird
www.myspace.com/upthelaw
www.myspace.com/wearetheocean.uk
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Peter Gabriel’s Ground Breaking Entertainment Recommendation System Enters Private Beta
The Filter, a personalised content filtering system that aggregates entertainment and information and connects users to content reflecting their tastes or moods, goes into private beta today.
In addition to launching as a consumer experience at www.thefilter.com, The Filter will also provide white label and co-branded solutions for content partners seeking to better match their inventory of content to their visitor’s tastes.
The system is the vision of Grammy Award winning artist and digital media pioneer Peter Gabriel.
"We believe one of the many joys of the internet would be freedom of choice, but many of us are now drowning in an ocean of options. An intelligent filter can remove the burden and boredom of choice and get us what we want and need with plenty of exploration and discovery. The Filter is a smart on-line companion - once it knows you, your tastes and your moods, it can discover treasure for you every time" say Peter Gabriel.
The Filter uses an advanced algorithm derived from the world of artificial intelligence and Bayesian mathematics to filter out irrelevant content and filter in content that reflects an individual’s tastes and moods across entertainment media, including music, film, web video, entertainment news and, in time, TV.
Also included in The Filter is a strong element of social networking that allows a user to share and recommend newly discovered content with friends, and the potential to shape your own digital discovery experience by using other peoples’ tastes.
“The Filter’s ability to understand a person’s tastes and personality makes it a breakthrough solution for individuals struggling to wade through the enormous amount of information online,” said David Maher Roberts, CEO of The Filter. “No one else can aggregate customised content across multiple entertainment platforms the way The Filter can, and we expect it will make the online experience far more enjoyable for all who use it.”
The Filter is expected to be available for public use in May 2008.
Private beta access will be given on request.
Background on The Filter
The Filter was developed and founded by Martin Hopkins and Rhett Ryder in Bath, England. David Maher Roberts, a new media and marketing expert who came on board as CEO last Autumn following a career in digital publishing, joined CMO Andy Semple, a former director at Dennis Inc. and Future plc. The Filter is backed by Peter Gabriel’s Real World Group and Eden Ventures, the award-winning technology venture capitalists. To date, $8.5 million has been invested in the venture.
The Filter initially launched in the UK solely as a downloadable playlist creator and music discovery application, and has also been supplying recommendations for Nokia, MSN and The Ministry of Sound's online stores. The downloadable version of The Filter has so far been used in 164 countries, and by over 200,000 people.
The Filter also provides an unparalleled solution for content partners seeking to maximise their inventory by matching more content to their customer’s tastes and moods.
"Online inventory of digital content just keeps on growing, while our computer screens and attention spans remain the same, so just adding inventory will not lead to increased sales and traffic," continues David Maher Roberts. "The Filter's advanced personalised filtering tools will help content businesses increase their sales and online activity by simply ensuring that every inch of screen space is targeted and personalised for each person."
The Filter’s database currently includes over 5m songs, 330k movies and consumption evidence from more than 50m individual purchases and playlists.
In addition to launching as a consumer experience at www.thefilter.com, The Filter will also provide white label and co-branded solutions for content partners seeking to better match their inventory of content to their visitor’s tastes.
The system is the vision of Grammy Award winning artist and digital media pioneer Peter Gabriel.
"We believe one of the many joys of the internet would be freedom of choice, but many of us are now drowning in an ocean of options. An intelligent filter can remove the burden and boredom of choice and get us what we want and need with plenty of exploration and discovery. The Filter is a smart on-line companion - once it knows you, your tastes and your moods, it can discover treasure for you every time" say Peter Gabriel.
The Filter uses an advanced algorithm derived from the world of artificial intelligence and Bayesian mathematics to filter out irrelevant content and filter in content that reflects an individual’s tastes and moods across entertainment media, including music, film, web video, entertainment news and, in time, TV.
Also included in The Filter is a strong element of social networking that allows a user to share and recommend newly discovered content with friends, and the potential to shape your own digital discovery experience by using other peoples’ tastes.
“The Filter’s ability to understand a person’s tastes and personality makes it a breakthrough solution for individuals struggling to wade through the enormous amount of information online,” said David Maher Roberts, CEO of The Filter. “No one else can aggregate customised content across multiple entertainment platforms the way The Filter can, and we expect it will make the online experience far more enjoyable for all who use it.”
The Filter is expected to be available for public use in May 2008.
Private beta access will be given on request.
Background on The Filter
The Filter was developed and founded by Martin Hopkins and Rhett Ryder in Bath, England. David Maher Roberts, a new media and marketing expert who came on board as CEO last Autumn following a career in digital publishing, joined CMO Andy Semple, a former director at Dennis Inc. and Future plc. The Filter is backed by Peter Gabriel’s Real World Group and Eden Ventures, the award-winning technology venture capitalists. To date, $8.5 million has been invested in the venture.
The Filter initially launched in the UK solely as a downloadable playlist creator and music discovery application, and has also been supplying recommendations for Nokia, MSN and The Ministry of Sound's online stores. The downloadable version of The Filter has so far been used in 164 countries, and by over 200,000 people.
The Filter also provides an unparalleled solution for content partners seeking to maximise their inventory by matching more content to their customer’s tastes and moods.
"Online inventory of digital content just keeps on growing, while our computer screens and attention spans remain the same, so just adding inventory will not lead to increased sales and traffic," continues David Maher Roberts. "The Filter's advanced personalised filtering tools will help content businesses increase their sales and online activity by simply ensuring that every inch of screen space is targeted and personalised for each person."
The Filter’s database currently includes over 5m songs, 330k movies and consumption evidence from more than 50m individual purchases and playlists.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Prellies good news! Birmingham group to be honoured with by Beatles Birthplace
The famed Cavern in Liverpool have honoured Birmingham-based beat group The Prellies with their own brick on the Mathew Street wall of fame. The Mathew Street wall includes a brick for every artist that played there between 1957 and 1973. Since then only five artists have been added, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Dodgy, Travis and local hero, Ray from UK's X-Factor.
The Prellies are now set to join that elite list by having their name etched into a brick at Liverpool’s Legendary Cavern Club alongside such Rock & Roll luminaries as The Rolling Stones, The Who and of course, The Beatles themselves.
When asked how the felt about their addition to this famous Liverpool landmark, their manager Christina Comely said "Its a fantastic achievement for a relatively unknown band, but the boys are delighted of course! Liverpool has become a second home to them, and they feel proud to been honoured in such a way by the venue that started it all!"
The presentation was on Saturday April 12th, following which The Prellies got back to what they do best, rocking the Cavern till the sweat drips off the ceiling!
Birmingham-based Beat group, The Prellies have been plying their musical trade in Liverpool for 6 years now and have achieved a certain level of notoriety for their crazed, energy packed shows, dedication to preserving Mersey Beat’s forgotten songs and for their sparkly silver danelectro guitars.
Since forming in 2002, the group have become firm favourites at Liverpool Beatleweek, and now annually host the All-Nighter Sessions at The Cavern. They’ve also travelled all over the world, appeared on two Beatles Television documentaries and even had the opportunity to perform with '80s US pop star Tiffany in the Cavern.
www.theprellies.co.uk
The Prellies are now set to join that elite list by having their name etched into a brick at Liverpool’s Legendary Cavern Club alongside such Rock & Roll luminaries as The Rolling Stones, The Who and of course, The Beatles themselves.
When asked how the felt about their addition to this famous Liverpool landmark, their manager Christina Comely said "Its a fantastic achievement for a relatively unknown band, but the boys are delighted of course! Liverpool has become a second home to them, and they feel proud to been honoured in such a way by the venue that started it all!"
The presentation was on Saturday April 12th, following which The Prellies got back to what they do best, rocking the Cavern till the sweat drips off the ceiling!
Birmingham-based Beat group, The Prellies have been plying their musical trade in Liverpool for 6 years now and have achieved a certain level of notoriety for their crazed, energy packed shows, dedication to preserving Mersey Beat’s forgotten songs and for their sparkly silver danelectro guitars.
Since forming in 2002, the group have become firm favourites at Liverpool Beatleweek, and now annually host the All-Nighter Sessions at The Cavern. They’ve also travelled all over the world, appeared on two Beatles Television documentaries and even had the opportunity to perform with '80s US pop star Tiffany in the Cavern.
www.theprellies.co.uk
soundflag.com - The First Worldwide Online Record Label
It´s a dilemma, always: the break for many new bands is a record contract. Only a small number of musicians can call a contract their own, though. Many gifted and professional artists and bands struggle for a career in the music industry – and lose.
The first Online Sound Label Soundflag wants to make a difference and gives the artists a fair chance to present themselves.
Music of All Styles From All Over the World
From 20 April 2008 on Soundflag with its website www.soundflag.com acts as agent for unknown musician and bands from more than 25 countries worldwide.
“Our goal is to arrange a cooperation between gifted people with professional backgrounds and radio / music stations, music magazines and event managers” says Elias Meyer, Soundflag´s manager.
Pop, Hop Hop, classical music, reaggae, country music or dance – you can find it all on Soundflag.
USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, India, Russia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Chech Republic: from 20 April on excellent musicians` songs and albums are available on www.soundflag.com, more countries yet to come!
No Costs but a Possible Break for the Artists
The advantage: for the musicians? Their appearance on Soundflag is free of charge!
Through downloads, record sales or bookings, freshwaters can become well known artists.
The artists keep the copyright confering the rights for commercialising ond disseminating of their work upon Soundflag. “For many of the yet unknown bands a gig at a festival or their song on the radio might become the beginning of a successful career”, says Meyer.
You can listen to song samples on www.soundflag.com, register yourself, pay and download the pieces you like.
The Online Sound Label Soundflag is addressed to radio / music stations, music magazines and event managers. Soundflag makes it easy to obtain knowledge of artists from countries with a less well known music scene.
Soundflag also is a way for everybody to find out about new hits not being played on commercial charts.
Crucial: Technical and Musical Quality
The decisive factor for Soundflag´s choice of a song or album is its technical quality. “Due to their excellent quality, the songs from our website can be played on the radio right away”, says Soundflag´s manager Elias Meyer. Allready during the upload of songs and albums there will be a quality control and a check-over. Only after this the artists` songs, albums and info pages will be launched.
The first Online Sound Label Soundflag wants to make a difference and gives the artists a fair chance to present themselves.
Music of All Styles From All Over the World
From 20 April 2008 on Soundflag with its website www.soundflag.com acts as agent for unknown musician and bands from more than 25 countries worldwide.
“Our goal is to arrange a cooperation between gifted people with professional backgrounds and radio / music stations, music magazines and event managers” says Elias Meyer, Soundflag´s manager.
Pop, Hop Hop, classical music, reaggae, country music or dance – you can find it all on Soundflag.
USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, India, Russia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Chech Republic: from 20 April on excellent musicians` songs and albums are available on www.soundflag.com, more countries yet to come!
No Costs but a Possible Break for the Artists
The advantage: for the musicians? Their appearance on Soundflag is free of charge!
Through downloads, record sales or bookings, freshwaters can become well known artists.
The artists keep the copyright confering the rights for commercialising ond disseminating of their work upon Soundflag. “For many of the yet unknown bands a gig at a festival or their song on the radio might become the beginning of a successful career”, says Meyer.
You can listen to song samples on www.soundflag.com, register yourself, pay and download the pieces you like.
The Online Sound Label Soundflag is addressed to radio / music stations, music magazines and event managers. Soundflag makes it easy to obtain knowledge of artists from countries with a less well known music scene.
Soundflag also is a way for everybody to find out about new hits not being played on commercial charts.
Crucial: Technical and Musical Quality
The decisive factor for Soundflag´s choice of a song or album is its technical quality. “Due to their excellent quality, the songs from our website can be played on the radio right away”, says Soundflag´s manager Elias Meyer. Allready during the upload of songs and albums there will be a quality control and a check-over. Only after this the artists` songs, albums and info pages will be launched.
Tales of the Unexpected, Series 7
Network will release TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED – SERIES 7 (TBC) on 12th May 2008, RRP £24.99. Initially based on Roald Dahl’s short story collection of the same name, over its nine-year run the popular series adapted the work of a variety of authors. The show’s wry, comedic tone offsets its macabre plots, in turn creating a highly entertaining brand of horror.
In this highly acclaimed seventh series—originally broadcast on ITV between 1984 and 1986—host John Houseman introduces each creepy tale (he took over from Dahl himself in the third series) while a wide range of actors step in to portray the murderers, swindlers, adulterers and liars (plus their victims) who are a narrative staple. The stories are not simple morality tales but thrilling vignettes tinged with irony and black humour.
Suspend your disbelief and each of the twenty episodes in series 7 is guaranteed to both disturb and amuse. Television enthusiasts will also recognise and enjoy superb performances from the likes of George Peppard (The A Team), Brad Dourif (Deadwood), Patrick Mower (Emmerdale Farm), and Zoe Wanamaker (My Family).
In this highly acclaimed seventh series—originally broadcast on ITV between 1984 and 1986—host John Houseman introduces each creepy tale (he took over from Dahl himself in the third series) while a wide range of actors step in to portray the murderers, swindlers, adulterers and liars (plus their victims) who are a narrative staple. The stories are not simple morality tales but thrilling vignettes tinged with irony and black humour.
Suspend your disbelief and each of the twenty episodes in series 7 is guaranteed to both disturb and amuse. Television enthusiasts will also recognise and enjoy superb performances from the likes of George Peppard (The A Team), Brad Dourif (Deadwood), Patrick Mower (Emmerdale Farm), and Zoe Wanamaker (My Family).
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Voices.com Founders to Speak at Voice Coaches Conference
For the second year in a row, Voices.com has been invited to speak at the Voice Coaches Advanced Marketing Expo and Conference on Saturday May 3rd, 2008 in Schenectady, NY at the GE Theater, a one-day event for voice actors that brings together a unique blend of industry professionals with a variety of specialised knowledge and experience, giving attendees a rare opportunity to learn from and interact with top professionals and experts.
Two of the world’s leading experts in web-based voice acting marketing, Voices.com CEO David Ciccarelli and VP of Marketing Stephanie Ciccarelli, will be speaking about getting the absolute most from Voices.com and marketing on the Internet.
By combining tremendous client service, rapid growth in opportunities, and an abundance of industry information, Voices.com has set itself apart as a leader in web-based marketing for voice actors. The Voices.com team also has a longstanding relationship with Voice Coaches and the founders are elated to return this spring and also provide live coverage of the event via the VOX Daily Blog, the industry’s most informative and popular weblog.
Scheduled speakers for this year’s conference include:
• Rodney Saulsberry, voice over artist and author of books “You Can Bank on Your Voice” and “Step Up to the Mic”
• Billy Serow, top voice over agent, head of commercial VO casting at Abrams Agency in New York and voice acting faculty at Yale University
• Evan Farmer, Host of TLC’s hit show “While you Were Out”, voice for MTV’s “Daria” series, “Celebrity Death Match” and numerous others
• David and Stephanie Ciccarelli, founders of Voices.com, an industry leading web-based voice over marketplace
• Mark Magdich, home recording expert and sales engineer with top equipment retailer Sweetwater
• Evan Skolnick, gaming voice over producer, producer and writer of games including Guitar Hero, Spider Man 3, Shrek 2 and numerous others
• Jay Silverman, voice actor, announcer and public communications expert who currently teaches marketing at The Sages College, The University of Albany, and Voice Coaches team member
• David Bourgeois, Voice Coaches president and professional producer
• Dan Dinsmore, CEO of Overit Media, a design firm with clients including The Chicago Bulls, Trump Vodka, and the Denver Nuggets.
In previous years, the conference had been exclusively limited to clients of Voice Coaches, but this year, their team is excited to announce that the Advanced Marketing Expo and Conference has open registration and welcomes voice actors from all over the country offering registration over the phone toll-free to reserve tickets for this industry event.
Registration for the event includes admission to all lectures and the expert panel, continental breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day, access to all Info-Vend booths, networking lunch, inclusion on the Pro Voice Compilation CD, 1 year “I can Voice” Web Extension (Voice Coaches clients only), 4 CD set of the entire event and Voice Coaches Advanced Marketing Expo Book with information from all event presenters.
To learn more or register for the Voice Coaches Advanced Marketing Expo and Conference in Schenectady, NY on May 3rd 2008, call 1-866-887-2834 ext. 100 or visit www.voicecoaches.com/marketing .
To learn more about Voice Coaches, visit:
http://www.voicecoaches.com
Two of the world’s leading experts in web-based voice acting marketing, Voices.com CEO David Ciccarelli and VP of Marketing Stephanie Ciccarelli, will be speaking about getting the absolute most from Voices.com and marketing on the Internet.
By combining tremendous client service, rapid growth in opportunities, and an abundance of industry information, Voices.com has set itself apart as a leader in web-based marketing for voice actors. The Voices.com team also has a longstanding relationship with Voice Coaches and the founders are elated to return this spring and also provide live coverage of the event via the VOX Daily Blog, the industry’s most informative and popular weblog.
Scheduled speakers for this year’s conference include:
• Rodney Saulsberry, voice over artist and author of books “You Can Bank on Your Voice” and “Step Up to the Mic”
• Billy Serow, top voice over agent, head of commercial VO casting at Abrams Agency in New York and voice acting faculty at Yale University
• Evan Farmer, Host of TLC’s hit show “While you Were Out”, voice for MTV’s “Daria” series, “Celebrity Death Match” and numerous others
• David and Stephanie Ciccarelli, founders of Voices.com, an industry leading web-based voice over marketplace
• Mark Magdich, home recording expert and sales engineer with top equipment retailer Sweetwater
• Evan Skolnick, gaming voice over producer, producer and writer of games including Guitar Hero, Spider Man 3, Shrek 2 and numerous others
• Jay Silverman, voice actor, announcer and public communications expert who currently teaches marketing at The Sages College, The University of Albany, and Voice Coaches team member
• David Bourgeois, Voice Coaches president and professional producer
• Dan Dinsmore, CEO of Overit Media, a design firm with clients including The Chicago Bulls, Trump Vodka, and the Denver Nuggets.
In previous years, the conference had been exclusively limited to clients of Voice Coaches, but this year, their team is excited to announce that the Advanced Marketing Expo and Conference has open registration and welcomes voice actors from all over the country offering registration over the phone toll-free to reserve tickets for this industry event.
Registration for the event includes admission to all lectures and the expert panel, continental breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day, access to all Info-Vend booths, networking lunch, inclusion on the Pro Voice Compilation CD, 1 year “I can Voice” Web Extension (Voice Coaches clients only), 4 CD set of the entire event and Voice Coaches Advanced Marketing Expo Book with information from all event presenters.
To learn more or register for the Voice Coaches Advanced Marketing Expo and Conference in Schenectady, NY on May 3rd 2008, call 1-866-887-2834 ext. 100 or visit www.voicecoaches.com/marketing .
To learn more about Voice Coaches, visit:
http://www.voicecoaches.com
The People of Dublin and Galway Open Their Curtains to Kyron!
Walking My Dog, the new single from Irish band Kyron & The Strangels is going from strength to strength in the pop notoriety stakes. The song is about a voyeur who peers into people’s window’s while he’s out walking his dog.
To celebrate the singles growing success Kyron and the Strangels recently walked the streets of Dublin and Galway, with a carboard dog in tow to peer into people’s front rooms….and they took a camera crew with them! Their first video of ‘Walking My Dog’ was an all cardboard affair, directed by Stephen Mullan.
‘We asked people listening to the Sean Moncrieff show on Newstalk 106 – 108 FM Ireland, and visitors to our MySpace site to open their curtains and do something wild in their window for the new ‘Walking My Dog’ video,’ says Kyron the band’s lead vocalist.
And the people of Dublin and Galway didn’t disappoint. Belly dancers, female boxers, people who have a fettish for leather and cross dressers all volunteered to take part. ‘The new ‘Walking My Dog’ video is wilder than the band’s wildest dreams!’ says Kyron.
The video ‘New Walking My Dog’ is now up on YouTube and was also recently screened on RTE Two television in Ireland. If you would you like to find out what Kyron & The Strangels saw behind the curtains of two of Ireland’s largest cities go to the following You Tube link!
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx6elbwCaAM
The inspiration for the lyrics came about when one of the songs composers lived in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England. Every night he would take his Collie for a walk. As he and his faithful friend made their way along the well heeled suburban streets he’d sing the chorus ‘Walking My Dog’ and then make up lines based on the shadowy figures he could see moving around inside the local houses.
The group Kyron & The Strangels came about as a natural progression from songwriting sessions held between three friends Kyron Bourke, Philip Kampff and Cormac O’Kane.
The name Strangels is derived from a Tom Waits song ‘The Ocean Doesn’t Want Me Today’ based on a word Tom’s daughter dreamed up by cleverly combining the words ‘strange angels’.
When Kyron Bourke is not playing the piano or behind the microphone fronting the Strangles he is most likely to be found working with oil and watercolours. Apart from being a fine musician he is a much respected artist with numerous galleries exhibiting his, what critics describe as, ‘unique work’.
In the summer of 2007 the Strangels started to play live in the Black Box in Belfast. Kyron and Cormac along with new band members Feargal on drums, Bernard on bass started to perform the original songs to an ever increasing fan base.
Cormac O’Kane who had been developing the Strangels sound based on the early song writing sessions started to produce the band in his own Belfast recording studio. The first song to emerge from the studio was ‘Walking My Dog’. Strangels fans now know the song well as it opens and closes every live performance that the band makes.
Kyron Burke’s family roots were established in Co Fermanagh where his grandfather farmed and reared cattle near the border village of Belleek on the River Erne. Kyron’s father, a cousin of Brendan Behan, was a wardrobe man in films who later in his life ran a costume business in Dublin. His mother also associated with the arts devoted herself to the business of singing light opera.
With the Behan family connection it was fitting then that Bourke’s first art exhibition was called ‘Pictures of my Cousin and Other Landscapes’.
To celebrate the singles growing success Kyron and the Strangels recently walked the streets of Dublin and Galway, with a carboard dog in tow to peer into people’s front rooms….and they took a camera crew with them! Their first video of ‘Walking My Dog’ was an all cardboard affair, directed by Stephen Mullan.
‘We asked people listening to the Sean Moncrieff show on Newstalk 106 – 108 FM Ireland, and visitors to our MySpace site to open their curtains and do something wild in their window for the new ‘Walking My Dog’ video,’ says Kyron the band’s lead vocalist.
And the people of Dublin and Galway didn’t disappoint. Belly dancers, female boxers, people who have a fettish for leather and cross dressers all volunteered to take part. ‘The new ‘Walking My Dog’ video is wilder than the band’s wildest dreams!’ says Kyron.
The video ‘New Walking My Dog’ is now up on YouTube and was also recently screened on RTE Two television in Ireland. If you would you like to find out what Kyron & The Strangels saw behind the curtains of two of Ireland’s largest cities go to the following You Tube link!
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx6elbwCaAM
The inspiration for the lyrics came about when one of the songs composers lived in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England. Every night he would take his Collie for a walk. As he and his faithful friend made their way along the well heeled suburban streets he’d sing the chorus ‘Walking My Dog’ and then make up lines based on the shadowy figures he could see moving around inside the local houses.
The group Kyron & The Strangels came about as a natural progression from songwriting sessions held between three friends Kyron Bourke, Philip Kampff and Cormac O’Kane.
The name Strangels is derived from a Tom Waits song ‘The Ocean Doesn’t Want Me Today’ based on a word Tom’s daughter dreamed up by cleverly combining the words ‘strange angels’.
When Kyron Bourke is not playing the piano or behind the microphone fronting the Strangles he is most likely to be found working with oil and watercolours. Apart from being a fine musician he is a much respected artist with numerous galleries exhibiting his, what critics describe as, ‘unique work’.
In the summer of 2007 the Strangels started to play live in the Black Box in Belfast. Kyron and Cormac along with new band members Feargal on drums, Bernard on bass started to perform the original songs to an ever increasing fan base.
Cormac O’Kane who had been developing the Strangels sound based on the early song writing sessions started to produce the band in his own Belfast recording studio. The first song to emerge from the studio was ‘Walking My Dog’. Strangels fans now know the song well as it opens and closes every live performance that the band makes.
Kyron Burke’s family roots were established in Co Fermanagh where his grandfather farmed and reared cattle near the border village of Belleek on the River Erne. Kyron’s father, a cousin of Brendan Behan, was a wardrobe man in films who later in his life ran a costume business in Dublin. His mother also associated with the arts devoted herself to the business of singing light opera.
With the Behan family connection it was fitting then that Bourke’s first art exhibition was called ‘Pictures of my Cousin and Other Landscapes’.
Spanish Highs Mountain Guides appointed location advisors for new horror movie to be shot on location
The photographs and images seen on the Spanish Highs Mountain Guides website (www.spanishhighs.co.uk) proved an irresistable inspiration for film company Familia Films. Helmed by Rebecca Sharpe and set to go into production late in 2008, the movie is a psychological spinechiller set in the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada mountains of Andalucia. A terrifying tale unravels as a group of writers find themselves trapped in a horror weekend of their own creation.
Richard Hartley, owner of Spanish Highs Mountain Guides, has taken the producers to visit the national park. "Various stunning locations have already been identified that fit in perfectly with the movie's atmosphere. The remote locations provide contrast between the incredibly tranquil, beautiful backdrops and the tenseness of the script." he says.
Spanish Highs mountain guides provide walking, trekking, climbing, mountaineering and ski touring holidays in the Sierra Nevada. They also run expeditions to Patagonia and the high Andes of South America. Website www.spanishhighs.co.uk
Familia Films is a new independent feature film company, spearheaded by Rebecca Sharpe and Jose Hernandez in Malaga, Spain. Website www.familia-films.com
Richard Hartley, owner of Spanish Highs Mountain Guides, has taken the producers to visit the national park. "Various stunning locations have already been identified that fit in perfectly with the movie's atmosphere. The remote locations provide contrast between the incredibly tranquil, beautiful backdrops and the tenseness of the script." he says.
Spanish Highs mountain guides provide walking, trekking, climbing, mountaineering and ski touring holidays in the Sierra Nevada. They also run expeditions to Patagonia and the high Andes of South America. Website www.spanishhighs.co.uk
Familia Films is a new independent feature film company, spearheaded by Rebecca Sharpe and Jose Hernandez in Malaga, Spain. Website www.familia-films.com
Friday, April 11, 2008
£73m Impact Of Glastonbury Festival
The world famous Glastonbury Festival impacts on the worldwide economy to the tune of more than £73million, figures from a unique study reveal today.
The figure is one of dozens featured in a new report by Mendip District Council on the economic impact of the Somerset event.
This is the first study of its kind to be undertaken on the Glastonbury Festival, which was carried out by Bristol-based Baker Associates.
Its aim was to fully understand the economic effects of the festival, and help to support the planning of future years. This major event has already won national awards for its partnership working between the festival organisers, Mendip District Council and other agencies.
John Baker from Baker Associates said: “We were commissioned by Mendip District Council and Glastonbury Festivals to carry out the study, which is one of the first to focus on the overall economic impact of the festival, and to improve understanding of its impacts on various areas of the local and regional economy.
“The study also reports on other areas that are linked to its impact on the economy, and how these issues can be looked at in the future to further build on the economic benefits that the Glastonbury Festival could bring to Mendip.”
The report gives the first detailed insight into the world-renowned music festival - the largest of its kind in the UK - including the £73m gross impact the festival has on the UK and international economies.
The following points are just an insight into some of the figures revealed through the report;
A crowd of 177,500 people attended the Glastonbury Festival in 2007, with an average spend per person of £293.24.
Total spending at the festival site in Pilton by revellers and traders was about £25.6million, and off-site spend was about £26.5million, giving a total spend of about £52million directly linked to the festival.
Estimated spending by Glastonbury Festivals associated with staging the 2007 festival was £21.2million (over the period November 2006 to October 2007).
Therefore the gross spend linked to the 2007 Glastonbury Festivals (including the Glastonbury Extravaganza and the Equinox ‘Pilton’ Party) was more than £73million.
Cllr Harvey Siggs, leader of Mendip District Council, said: “Glastonbury Festival is such a huge event for Mendip. This study has revealed valuable information that, until now, has not been identified before. We’ve always recognised that Glastonbury Festival is an important event for our district and the country, but have never been able to judge just how important it is.
“The study has provided some important data which will not only help those involved to plan future festivals but also to look at how the festival affects Mendip. This information will enable us to better understand how it affects our local economy, which is so important to many aspects of our lives and business, and has shown us in detail how large scale events impact on our local area.
“I hope this study can be used by other festivals and organisations as a key educational tool to demonstrate the value and difficulties of large scale events.”
For further information and a copy of the full report, visit; www.mendip.gov.uk or www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/
The figure is one of dozens featured in a new report by Mendip District Council on the economic impact of the Somerset event.
This is the first study of its kind to be undertaken on the Glastonbury Festival, which was carried out by Bristol-based Baker Associates.
Its aim was to fully understand the economic effects of the festival, and help to support the planning of future years. This major event has already won national awards for its partnership working between the festival organisers, Mendip District Council and other agencies.
John Baker from Baker Associates said: “We were commissioned by Mendip District Council and Glastonbury Festivals to carry out the study, which is one of the first to focus on the overall economic impact of the festival, and to improve understanding of its impacts on various areas of the local and regional economy.
“The study also reports on other areas that are linked to its impact on the economy, and how these issues can be looked at in the future to further build on the economic benefits that the Glastonbury Festival could bring to Mendip.”
The report gives the first detailed insight into the world-renowned music festival - the largest of its kind in the UK - including the £73m gross impact the festival has on the UK and international economies.
The following points are just an insight into some of the figures revealed through the report;
A crowd of 177,500 people attended the Glastonbury Festival in 2007, with an average spend per person of £293.24.
Total spending at the festival site in Pilton by revellers and traders was about £25.6million, and off-site spend was about £26.5million, giving a total spend of about £52million directly linked to the festival.
Estimated spending by Glastonbury Festivals associated with staging the 2007 festival was £21.2million (over the period November 2006 to October 2007).
Therefore the gross spend linked to the 2007 Glastonbury Festivals (including the Glastonbury Extravaganza and the Equinox ‘Pilton’ Party) was more than £73million.
Cllr Harvey Siggs, leader of Mendip District Council, said: “Glastonbury Festival is such a huge event for Mendip. This study has revealed valuable information that, until now, has not been identified before. We’ve always recognised that Glastonbury Festival is an important event for our district and the country, but have never been able to judge just how important it is.
“The study has provided some important data which will not only help those involved to plan future festivals but also to look at how the festival affects Mendip. This information will enable us to better understand how it affects our local economy, which is so important to many aspects of our lives and business, and has shown us in detail how large scale events impact on our local area.
“I hope this study can be used by other festivals and organisations as a key educational tool to demonstrate the value and difficulties of large scale events.”
For further information and a copy of the full report, visit; www.mendip.gov.uk or www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/
The Elements of Hip Hop BASS Festival Hits the Streets of the Midlands
If hip-hop, MC’ing and DJ’ing are your thing then make sure you don’t miss this year’s BASS (British Art and Street Sounds) Festival, which starts on June 1st and runs throughout the month across over 40 venues in Birmingham, Leicester, Derby and Nottingham.
Billed as the biggest and longest annual celebration of British Art and Street Sounds, this year’s theme is The Elements of Hip Hop and will see artists from the UK, the US and South Africa come together to provide visitors with a host of events ranging from masterclasses and workshops to exhibitions and installations as well as theatre and dance performances.
The month long festival culminates in a two-day conference, at Birmingham’s Custard Factory and Manchester’s Contact Theatre, entitled MC’s for Life with debates, workshops and films celebrating the art of MC Culture and featuring artists such as Black Thought, Ursula Rucker, Lord Finesse along with a further 40 artists from across the world.
The full line-up is available on www.bassfestival.co.uk. Some of the highlights across the region include:
Birmingham:
Date Details Venue
June 2008 The Restless Debt of Third World Beauty Jibbering Gallery
Exhibition by celebrated South African artist Faith47.
Her work depicts strong female characters in dilapidated
environments. It focuses on the importance and the spirit
of the strong female identity through adversity.
14th June DJ Masterclass with DJ Kayper The Symphony Hal
The UK’s leading female turntablist provides a unique hands-on learning opportunity to budding DJs
19th June My Love for Hip Hop The Drum
Powerful spoken word event exploring the world of Hip Hop
Featuring Madflow EVOKE, Sykes, Leeanne Stobbart, and Italsource
21st June Birmingham Jazz Concrete
Dance meets jazz with Jazzanova and Eska Mtungwazi
all playing live
26th June My Bum is Genetic Deal With It The Drum
Written and performed by Napo Masheane. This play is a
comedic satire told in the voice of a young black woman
in the new South Africa and her journey to discover, understand
and own her own image of African beauty. Also performing on the night will be Omekongo
Leicester:
Date Details Venue
6th June Def Slam The Peepul Centre
Battle of Urban poets from the East Midlands
7th – 9th June Concrete Jungle presents ‘Sneakers’ The City Gallery
An exhibition profiling the history of ‘Sneaker Culture’
15th June Street Jam Town Hall Square
A celebration of dance culture featuring local artists
20th June Artist Lounge SOUK
Meet national and local musicians for a networking session
20th June I Luv Live SOUK
An evening designed to promote fresh new black music in the East Midlands.
Nottingham:
Date Details Venue
8th June Hella Music Film Broadway Cinema
Hip Hop fairytales with pioneering films including ‘Wildstyle’
13th June Freddie Kofi presents Brit Gospel Nottingham Playhouse
Singer/song writer Freddie Kofi presents a
celebration of British Gospel music
16th –30th June Peace, Love & Unity New Art Exchange
Commissioned new work by visual artists from
the East & West Midlands
21st June Hip Hop Workshops New Art Exchange
DJing and Graffiti workshops by leading artists and DJs
21st June I Luv Live New Art Exchange
An evening designed to promote fresh new black music in the East Midlands.
Derby:
Date Details Venue
19th June Graffiti Convention Baby Studios
Public art piece delivered by local graffiti artist Dilk.
Seminar and displays with guests including the highly
celebrated UK artists Temper
22nd June I Luv Live Derby Dance
An evening designed to promote fresh new black music in the East Midlands.
22nd June Suga Shack & Trinity presents... Derby Dance
The UK premier of a theatre dance and music piece by
leading UK B-boy Steady, with music by Baby J Ent artists
Billed as the biggest and longest annual celebration of British Art and Street Sounds, this year’s theme is The Elements of Hip Hop and will see artists from the UK, the US and South Africa come together to provide visitors with a host of events ranging from masterclasses and workshops to exhibitions and installations as well as theatre and dance performances.
The month long festival culminates in a two-day conference, at Birmingham’s Custard Factory and Manchester’s Contact Theatre, entitled MC’s for Life with debates, workshops and films celebrating the art of MC Culture and featuring artists such as Black Thought, Ursula Rucker, Lord Finesse along with a further 40 artists from across the world.
The full line-up is available on www.bassfestival.co.uk. Some of the highlights across the region include:
Birmingham:
Date Details Venue
June 2008 The Restless Debt of Third World Beauty Jibbering Gallery
Exhibition by celebrated South African artist Faith47.
Her work depicts strong female characters in dilapidated
environments. It focuses on the importance and the spirit
of the strong female identity through adversity.
14th June DJ Masterclass with DJ Kayper The Symphony Hal
The UK’s leading female turntablist provides a unique hands-on learning opportunity to budding DJs
19th June My Love for Hip Hop The Drum
Powerful spoken word event exploring the world of Hip Hop
Featuring Madflow EVOKE, Sykes, Leeanne Stobbart, and Italsource
21st June Birmingham Jazz Concrete
Dance meets jazz with Jazzanova and Eska Mtungwazi
all playing live
26th June My Bum is Genetic Deal With It The Drum
Written and performed by Napo Masheane. This play is a
comedic satire told in the voice of a young black woman
in the new South Africa and her journey to discover, understand
and own her own image of African beauty. Also performing on the night will be Omekongo
Leicester:
Date Details Venue
6th June Def Slam The Peepul Centre
Battle of Urban poets from the East Midlands
7th – 9th June Concrete Jungle presents ‘Sneakers’ The City Gallery
An exhibition profiling the history of ‘Sneaker Culture’
15th June Street Jam Town Hall Square
A celebration of dance culture featuring local artists
20th June Artist Lounge SOUK
Meet national and local musicians for a networking session
20th June I Luv Live SOUK
An evening designed to promote fresh new black music in the East Midlands.
Nottingham:
Date Details Venue
8th June Hella Music Film Broadway Cinema
Hip Hop fairytales with pioneering films including ‘Wildstyle’
13th June Freddie Kofi presents Brit Gospel Nottingham Playhouse
Singer/song writer Freddie Kofi presents a
celebration of British Gospel music
16th –30th June Peace, Love & Unity New Art Exchange
Commissioned new work by visual artists from
the East & West Midlands
21st June Hip Hop Workshops New Art Exchange
DJing and Graffiti workshops by leading artists and DJs
21st June I Luv Live New Art Exchange
An evening designed to promote fresh new black music in the East Midlands.
Derby:
Date Details Venue
19th June Graffiti Convention Baby Studios
Public art piece delivered by local graffiti artist Dilk.
Seminar and displays with guests including the highly
celebrated UK artists Temper
22nd June I Luv Live Derby Dance
An evening designed to promote fresh new black music in the East Midlands.
22nd June Suga Shack & Trinity presents... Derby Dance
The UK premier of a theatre dance and music piece by
leading UK B-boy Steady, with music by Baby J Ent artists
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Dirty Pretty Things’ Carl Barât announced as Fifth Road to V Mentor
Virgin Mobile’s Road to V in partnership with Sony Ericsson
The final mentor for Virgin Mobile’s Road to V search for bands is confirmed. Song-writer, musician and DJ Carl Barât, formerly of The Libertines and current frontman of Dirty Pretty Things, is the final addition to the panel of advisers to the ‘next big thing’ in the UK’s biggest and best search for unsigned musical talent - Road to V.
The competition is now open and two bands, mentored by our very own panel of experts, will get to open the V Festival this summer, in Chelmsford and Stafford, on the 16th August.
Unsigned bands can go to www.roadtov.com and register their entry, upload their best track and tell us a bit about themselves. All the entries will then be judged by this year’s panel of music industry experts, which includes the just announced Carl Barât, Mags Revell, the promotor of V Festival, Mark Beaumont from NME, A&R man Sav Remzi and Paul Samuels from Crown Music Management.
14 bands will go through to the live stage of the competition – all of which will go on to play at either the Carling Academy in London or Liverpool, and each gig will be broadcast during the summer on Channel 4. Each judge will then give the unsigned bands their pearls of wisdom to make it big in the music industry the viewers then decide who wins and gets the chance of a lifetime to open one of the UK’s biggest festivals.
Since 2004, Road to V has nurtured great new talent, with bands such as The Young Knives, The Brightlights and Bombay Bicycle Club all opening the festival and going on to some major success. And with the help of industry experts, bands can get the advice they need, and also have the chance to impress the people that can help them make their talent a success.
Rosie Newey, head of music sponsorship at Virgin Media said , “We are really excited to have Carl on board. We have a really high calabre of mentors from the music industry on the panel this year. They’ll be offering the bands advice about all aspects of the music industry from image to how to deliver a great perfornance, as well what scouts and management companies look for in a band. With Road to V we’re so proud to be supporters of new up and coming talent.”
The final mentor for Virgin Mobile’s Road to V search for bands is confirmed. Song-writer, musician and DJ Carl Barât, formerly of The Libertines and current frontman of Dirty Pretty Things, is the final addition to the panel of advisers to the ‘next big thing’ in the UK’s biggest and best search for unsigned musical talent - Road to V.
The competition is now open and two bands, mentored by our very own panel of experts, will get to open the V Festival this summer, in Chelmsford and Stafford, on the 16th August.
Unsigned bands can go to www.roadtov.com and register their entry, upload their best track and tell us a bit about themselves. All the entries will then be judged by this year’s panel of music industry experts, which includes the just announced Carl Barât, Mags Revell, the promotor of V Festival, Mark Beaumont from NME, A&R man Sav Remzi and Paul Samuels from Crown Music Management.
14 bands will go through to the live stage of the competition – all of which will go on to play at either the Carling Academy in London or Liverpool, and each gig will be broadcast during the summer on Channel 4. Each judge will then give the unsigned bands their pearls of wisdom to make it big in the music industry the viewers then decide who wins and gets the chance of a lifetime to open one of the UK’s biggest festivals.
Since 2004, Road to V has nurtured great new talent, with bands such as The Young Knives, The Brightlights and Bombay Bicycle Club all opening the festival and going on to some major success. And with the help of industry experts, bands can get the advice they need, and also have the chance to impress the people that can help them make their talent a success.
Rosie Newey, head of music sponsorship at Virgin Media said , “We are really excited to have Carl on board. We have a really high calabre of mentors from the music industry on the panel this year. They’ll be offering the bands advice about all aspects of the music industry from image to how to deliver a great perfornance, as well what scouts and management companies look for in a band. With Road to V we’re so proud to be supporters of new up and coming talent.”
Armchair Thriller: DVD release set
Network is excited to announce further releases of stories from this hugely popular drama anthology. ARMCHAIR THRILLER: THE VICTIM and DYING DAY will be released on 5th May 2008, RRP £12.99 each.
With the famously memorable and unsettling opening credits and exceptional performances and direction, ARMCHAIR THRILLER was a considerable ratings success for Thames Television between 1978 and 1980. The stories are told in 4 – 6 thirty-minute episodes; each begins with the iconic theme tune by Roxy Music’s Andy Mackay, and each finishes with their own razor-sharp cliff-hanger ending.
It attracted up to over 15 million viewers with the undeniable horror and thrill within the stories. The terror lies in the sense of the familiar. Ordinary people are plunged into extraordinary situations. Some more heightened moments of fright are still vividly remembered by viewers long after its initial transmission.
THE VICTIM. Business executive Vincent Craig is shocked when his daughter is kidnapped and held for ransom. Though he initially raises the ransom, the police are appalled when he hangs up during a call from the kidnapper, insisting that he can trace the kidnapper himself… The powerful tale of suspense shows only too well to what lengths a man would go in order to protect his children. VICTIM is directed by the Emmy-award winning Gareth Davies (Tales of the Unexpected).
DYING DAY. This story stars acclaimed and multiple award – winning Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) as Mr. Antony Skipling, the hapless passenger who comes across an audio tape left on the train by a strange man. The tape informs Skipling that he is about to be murdered. He reports it swiftly to the police. When they play it back, however, the murder plot can no longer be heard – Is Skipling imagining it, or is he really in danger?
This eerie and effective murder mystery is written by John Bowen (Christmas Ghost Stories), and directed by the firm, assured hands of Robert Tronson (Man in a Suitcase).
ARMCHAIR THRILLER: THE VICTIM and DYING DAY (TBC) are Network releases
Release Date: 5th May 2008, RRP: £12.99
Discs: 1 for each release
VICTIM Running Time: 150 minutes (approximately)
DYING DAY Running Time: 100 minutes (approximately)
Screen Ratios: 1.33:1 Colour
With the famously memorable and unsettling opening credits and exceptional performances and direction, ARMCHAIR THRILLER was a considerable ratings success for Thames Television between 1978 and 1980. The stories are told in 4 – 6 thirty-minute episodes; each begins with the iconic theme tune by Roxy Music’s Andy Mackay, and each finishes with their own razor-sharp cliff-hanger ending.
It attracted up to over 15 million viewers with the undeniable horror and thrill within the stories. The terror lies in the sense of the familiar. Ordinary people are plunged into extraordinary situations. Some more heightened moments of fright are still vividly remembered by viewers long after its initial transmission.
THE VICTIM. Business executive Vincent Craig is shocked when his daughter is kidnapped and held for ransom. Though he initially raises the ransom, the police are appalled when he hangs up during a call from the kidnapper, insisting that he can trace the kidnapper himself… The powerful tale of suspense shows only too well to what lengths a man would go in order to protect his children. VICTIM is directed by the Emmy-award winning Gareth Davies (Tales of the Unexpected).
DYING DAY. This story stars acclaimed and multiple award – winning Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) as Mr. Antony Skipling, the hapless passenger who comes across an audio tape left on the train by a strange man. The tape informs Skipling that he is about to be murdered. He reports it swiftly to the police. When they play it back, however, the murder plot can no longer be heard – Is Skipling imagining it, or is he really in danger?
This eerie and effective murder mystery is written by John Bowen (Christmas Ghost Stories), and directed by the firm, assured hands of Robert Tronson (Man in a Suitcase).
ARMCHAIR THRILLER: THE VICTIM and DYING DAY (TBC) are Network releases
Release Date: 5th May 2008, RRP: £12.99
Discs: 1 for each release
VICTIM Running Time: 150 minutes (approximately)
DYING DAY Running Time: 100 minutes (approximately)
Screen Ratios: 1.33:1 Colour
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
An Innovator in Online Game Rentals Expands
With the availability of the internet for virtually any consumer purchase, the options have become virtually limitless for delivery to a person’s home of almost any item that they choose. Welsh-based WhyBuyGames.co.uk started offering the ability to rent video games in 2005, and has quickly become the UK’s leader in games rental subscription services. Now offering Blu-Ray DVD’s, their selections and services have become even better.
“WhyBuyGames.co.uk was started by gamers, for gamers, aiming to provide the highest quality games, at the most affordable prices to consumers within the UK. We have become the UK’s leader in games subscription services, offering to all consumers the ability to rent video games online at affordable prices,” says one of the company’s founders.
The ability to rent video games online is appealing to many gamers as they are able to try a variety of video games without the expense of purchasing them, or the risk of purchasing them only to find that they do not like them.
WhyBuyGames.co.uk offers gamers the ability to rent Xbox 360 games, PlayStation 3 games and Nintendo WII games, three of the most popular video gaming choices available on the consumer market today. Nintendo DS games, PlayStation 2 games and PlayStation PSP games are also available, making their online video selection the largest in the entire UK.
For any rental gaming need, this company offers the solution. For just a nominal fee of £9.49 per month, gamers have the ability to rent video games from the site on an unlimited basis and the process is quite simple.
The videos are selected by the gamers online, they are shipped in a pre-paid envelope to the consumer’s home, they can return them at their leisure without the worry of late fees and they simply return the game in the pre-paid envelope so that they can receive another one within 1-2 business days. The process is as easy as that! The service resembles in concept to several international movie services, appealing to anyone who has the desire and wish to rent many video games on an affordable budget.
The WhyBuyGames.co.uk video games rental service offers anyone the ability to try the newest video games at an affordable price.
WhyBuyGames.co.uk was established in 2005 for gamers, by gamers. The company offers the UK’s largest selection of rental subscription video games, available with the click of a mouse to residents within the UK. For a nominal monthly fee, members are offered the ability to have unlimited access to the company’s huge selection of video game rentals in as little as one business day.
“WhyBuyGames.co.uk was started by gamers, for gamers, aiming to provide the highest quality games, at the most affordable prices to consumers within the UK. We have become the UK’s leader in games subscription services, offering to all consumers the ability to rent video games online at affordable prices,” says one of the company’s founders.
The ability to rent video games online is appealing to many gamers as they are able to try a variety of video games without the expense of purchasing them, or the risk of purchasing them only to find that they do not like them.
WhyBuyGames.co.uk offers gamers the ability to rent Xbox 360 games, PlayStation 3 games and Nintendo WII games, three of the most popular video gaming choices available on the consumer market today. Nintendo DS games, PlayStation 2 games and PlayStation PSP games are also available, making their online video selection the largest in the entire UK.
For any rental gaming need, this company offers the solution. For just a nominal fee of £9.49 per month, gamers have the ability to rent video games from the site on an unlimited basis and the process is quite simple.
The videos are selected by the gamers online, they are shipped in a pre-paid envelope to the consumer’s home, they can return them at their leisure without the worry of late fees and they simply return the game in the pre-paid envelope so that they can receive another one within 1-2 business days. The process is as easy as that! The service resembles in concept to several international movie services, appealing to anyone who has the desire and wish to rent many video games on an affordable budget.
The WhyBuyGames.co.uk video games rental service offers anyone the ability to try the newest video games at an affordable price.
WhyBuyGames.co.uk was established in 2005 for gamers, by gamers. The company offers the UK’s largest selection of rental subscription video games, available with the click of a mouse to residents within the UK. For a nominal monthly fee, members are offered the ability to have unlimited access to the company’s huge selection of video game rentals in as little as one business day.
Sun, Snow & Party Week': Smokie 'do the Klammer'
When Mike, Terry, Martin, and Steve hit the piste, they like 'doing the Klammer'. Not always, but definitely when they are really dashing down the slopes, their battle cry is 'Take care: Franz Klammer is coming!' The musicians of Smokie are true fans of the legendary Austrian ski racer. And Marc Girardelli, another former ski racer from the Alpine republic, also rates high with the five Brits.
On 2nd April the cult band of the 1970s came to Zell am See-Kaprun to raise the roof at the 'Sun, Snow & Party Week'. They wouldn't even have dared to guess that shortly after their arrival they themselves were going to be entertained with all the tricks of the book. The band bumped into the two former top athletes on Schmittenhöhe - life is full of surprises!
Actually, Franz Klammer and Marc Girardelli had come to the almost 2,000-metre-high local mountain of Zell am See to put the latest ski models of international manufacturers for the winter season of 2008/2009 to the acid test at the renowned 'World Skitest'. But when the star athletes met the pop stars, the event suddenly was of secondary importance.
'You were my idols', were the first words of a long chat between Girardelli and the band. And Franz Klammer, too, could remember the hits of the band very well. Unfortunately, their time was so limited that evening that the two former athletes couldn't attend the concert which took place on the event stage in Thumersbach, which is part of Zell. But about 1,000 fans came to the concert and had a blast with top hits like 'Living next door to Alice' - dark clouds and rain didn't do any harm to the party mood.
The nasty weather couldn't spoil the Skitest either, because there was plenty of snow on the pistes. Not only Klammer and Girardelli put on the latest ski models. Celebrities like Fritz Strobl and Thomas Sykora as well as the current winter sports stars Reinfried Herbst, Georg Streitberger, Tine Huber, and Karin Huttary didn't want to miss out on this chance either. The winners of the Olympic gold medal in the men's doubles in luge, Wolfgang and Andreas Linger, came to the local mountain of Zell, too.
The latest fashion trends for males and females for the next winter season were presented by Naddel and Kurt Elsasser at an exclusive fashion show. At Panorama Pfiff a runway made of snow had been set up for this event and was the venue for a duet of the two stars. Nik P. and Uwe Busse also took the opportunity to perform and prove their singing skills.
Until Friday this week, the major event of the 'World Skitest' is going on. On Sunday, 6th April, the 'Splash Contest' is the spectacular final event of the 'Sun, Snow & Party Week'. Smokie, however, have already left. Four of the five musicians didn't venture out on the pistes because of the unpleasant weather. But Mick McConnell could not be stopped - he 'did the Klammer'.
For more information the 'World Skitest' and the 'Sun, Snow & Party Week' please visit us at www.zellamsee-kaprun.com.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Move your feet to the '60s and '70s beat!
On Friday 25 April the sun will rise again on the golden era of modern music. Classics from the ‘60s and ‘70s that we love, both young and old, will be belted out across Kent – live!
In keeping with the traditions from a bygone age of true musicianship, the band will play songs from their extensive back catalogue of popular covers, completely live. No samples, no loops, just live music. Refreshing, eh?
What’s more, the nights are themed. Everybody goes for a night out in fancy dress gear in the style of the two decades. Or just wear smart casual. And with the 9-piece live band cranking out hit after hit, the dance floor always fills in minutes. So dust off your your ‘60s and ‘70s gear from the attic, and dress super fly for Sittingbourne.
The Vintage Corporation’s next gig is at the Swallows Leisure Centre, Sittingbourne, on Friday 25 April at 8pm. They are performing all over the South East this year so keep your eyes peeled and your Cuban heels polished for nights at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, and Dickens' World, Chatham. Many other ’60 and 70’s nights are booked this year.
Entry costs just £10 a head and there are special party-rates: buy 5 tickets, get 1 free. Tickets can be pre-booked on the credit card hotline 01233 733 993 (Mon-Fri 9 to 5) or bought in advance at the Swallows Leisure Centre, or on the door (cash only).
General admission 18 years & over.
Re-live the Sixties and Seventies with The Vintage Corporation.
The Vintage Corporation is the ultimate unique and versatile ‘60s and ‘70s 9-piece live band. They play tribute to the best bands of the ‘60s and ‘70s, playing carefully selected motown, disco, soul, rock and pop. All of which is staged totally live, without miming, tapes, drum machines or backing tracks.
Themed nights
The nights are themed so party-goers are encouraged to wear ‘60s and ‘70s fancy dress to create a retro ambience and the perfect night out. With total emphasis on entertainment and an infectious playlist, the band packs the dance floor.
The Vintage Corporation are based in the South East but perform all over the UK. They play two 1 hour sets, with a warm-up DJ or music in between.
The band is made up of nine talented, experienced and passionate musicians:
1 male vocalist
2 female vocalists
1 lead guitarist
1 rhythm guitarist
1 bass guitarist
1 keyboard player
1 saxophone player
1 drummer
(1 front of house technician)
Web www.thevintagecorporation.co.uk
In keeping with the traditions from a bygone age of true musicianship, the band will play songs from their extensive back catalogue of popular covers, completely live. No samples, no loops, just live music. Refreshing, eh?
What’s more, the nights are themed. Everybody goes for a night out in fancy dress gear in the style of the two decades. Or just wear smart casual. And with the 9-piece live band cranking out hit after hit, the dance floor always fills in minutes. So dust off your your ‘60s and ‘70s gear from the attic, and dress super fly for Sittingbourne.
The Vintage Corporation’s next gig is at the Swallows Leisure Centre, Sittingbourne, on Friday 25 April at 8pm. They are performing all over the South East this year so keep your eyes peeled and your Cuban heels polished for nights at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, and Dickens' World, Chatham. Many other ’60 and 70’s nights are booked this year.
Entry costs just £10 a head and there are special party-rates: buy 5 tickets, get 1 free. Tickets can be pre-booked on the credit card hotline 01233 733 993 (Mon-Fri 9 to 5) or bought in advance at the Swallows Leisure Centre, or on the door (cash only).
General admission 18 years & over.
Re-live the Sixties and Seventies with The Vintage Corporation.
The Vintage Corporation is the ultimate unique and versatile ‘60s and ‘70s 9-piece live band. They play tribute to the best bands of the ‘60s and ‘70s, playing carefully selected motown, disco, soul, rock and pop. All of which is staged totally live, without miming, tapes, drum machines or backing tracks.
Themed nights
The nights are themed so party-goers are encouraged to wear ‘60s and ‘70s fancy dress to create a retro ambience and the perfect night out. With total emphasis on entertainment and an infectious playlist, the band packs the dance floor.
The Vintage Corporation are based in the South East but perform all over the UK. They play two 1 hour sets, with a warm-up DJ or music in between.
The band is made up of nine talented, experienced and passionate musicians:
1 male vocalist
2 female vocalists
1 lead guitarist
1 rhythm guitarist
1 bass guitarist
1 keyboard player
1 saxophone player
1 drummer
(1 front of house technician)
Web www.thevintagecorporation.co.uk
Lights Out for John Perrin
An unsung hero of the music industry, John Perrin of Palmers Green, died on Friday 28th March 2008 in St Michaels Hospital, Enfield at age 62 of Pancreatic Cancer.
A master of sound and light engineering arts, John provided technical services to some of the biggest bands in the business including Hawkwind, Peter Gabriel, Motorhead and many more as part of the crew of Liquid Len & the Lensmen and as house engineer/technician for the renouned Camden Palace/Music Machine (now known as KoKo) in Camden.
His touring days ended after a heart attack which slowed him down but couldn't keep him away from the live music and other activities that he loved like radio or computing and for the past 9 years he was an active committee member and sound / lighting engineer for the Electric Blues Club (www.electricbluesclub.co.uk/john-perrin.html) including the annual Sunday Sessions at Broomfield Park held in August.
The funeral will be on Monday 14th April 2008 at 2.15pm
New Southgate Crematorium
Brunswick Park Road
New Southgate
N11 IJJ.
Cemetery Tel: 020 8361 1713
http://www.newsouthgate.com/getting_here/map2/view_map
Flowers/cards should be sent to the funeral directors.
Co-operative Funeralcare
16-18 Ashfield Parade, Southgate
London, Middlesex, N14 5EJ
Funeral Directors Tel: 020 8886 053
The club is supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund www.pcrf.org.uk & MacMillan Nurses www.macmillan.org.uk so those who wish to make a donation may do so via their websites.
The memorial gig/jam will be on the same date in the evening at
Forty Hall Banqueting Suite
Forty Hill
Enfield
Middx
http://www.fortyhallbanqueting.co.uk/
Club members, friends and associates of John Perrin are welcome to attend the funeral
and/or the memorial gig in the evening. Contact Tracey on 0208 372 6587 or
email webmaster@electricbluesclub.co.uk to put your name on the guest list
if you wish to attend or participate.
A master of sound and light engineering arts, John provided technical services to some of the biggest bands in the business including Hawkwind, Peter Gabriel, Motorhead and many more as part of the crew of Liquid Len & the Lensmen and as house engineer/technician for the renouned Camden Palace/Music Machine (now known as KoKo) in Camden.
His touring days ended after a heart attack which slowed him down but couldn't keep him away from the live music and other activities that he loved like radio or computing and for the past 9 years he was an active committee member and sound / lighting engineer for the Electric Blues Club (www.electricbluesclub.co.uk/john-perrin.html) including the annual Sunday Sessions at Broomfield Park held in August.
The funeral will be on Monday 14th April 2008 at 2.15pm
New Southgate Crematorium
Brunswick Park Road
New Southgate
N11 IJJ.
Cemetery Tel: 020 8361 1713
http://www.newsouthgate.com/getting_here/map2/view_map
Flowers/cards should be sent to the funeral directors.
Co-operative Funeralcare
16-18 Ashfield Parade, Southgate
London, Middlesex, N14 5EJ
Funeral Directors Tel: 020 8886 053
The club is supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund www.pcrf.org.uk & MacMillan Nurses www.macmillan.org.uk so those who wish to make a donation may do so via their websites.
The memorial gig/jam will be on the same date in the evening at
Forty Hall Banqueting Suite
Forty Hill
Enfield
Middx
http://www.fortyhallbanqueting.co.uk/
Club members, friends and associates of John Perrin are welcome to attend the funeral
and/or the memorial gig in the evening. Contact Tracey on 0208 372 6587 or
email webmaster@electricbluesclub.co.uk to put your name on the guest list
if you wish to attend or participate.
He Could Be Oliver!
The second prospective Oliver to secure a place in the semi-final was announced today in BBC One's I'd Do Anything. He is 12-year-old CHESTER from Middlesex.
All twelve boys sang Electricity from Billy Elliot in tonight’s show; previously they had been monitored and mentored in an on-going process during which both Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh continue to assess their individual progress. Three boys will succeed in their quest to win the title role in Cameron Mackintosh’s new West End production of Oliver!
All twelve boys sang Electricity from Billy Elliot in tonight’s show; previously they had been monitored and mentored in an on-going process during which both Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh continue to assess their individual progress. Three boys will succeed in their quest to win the title role in Cameron Mackintosh’s new West End production of Oliver!
Monday, April 07, 2008
News Of The World & Pop Creations Launch Talent Search!
www.Pop-Creations.com in association with the UK’s biggest newspaper ‘News of the World’ are launching a talent search to identify aspiring musicians and give them a chance to win a recording contract worth £20,000.
Want to be the next Girls Aloud or Take That? Well you can by winning a recording contract with Pop Creations and News of the World.
The contest is brilliantly simple. All you have to do is upload a video of yourself singing.
There is no age restriction.
You can sing anything!
And the competition is open to everyone, any country!
The judges will choose a short list and News of the World readers will vote for the winner.
The lucky artist/act will get a career launched by Pop Creations.
For More Details Visit: - http://www.pop-creations.com/ or www.notw.co.uk/pop
Want to be the next Girls Aloud or Take That? Well you can by winning a recording contract with Pop Creations and News of the World.
The contest is brilliantly simple. All you have to do is upload a video of yourself singing.
There is no age restriction.
You can sing anything!
And the competition is open to everyone, any country!
The judges will choose a short list and News of the World readers will vote for the winner.
The lucky artist/act will get a career launched by Pop Creations.
For More Details Visit: - http://www.pop-creations.com/ or www.notw.co.uk/pop
Remember Filthy Beast?
They never released a record but Filthy Beast were regularly gigging throughout the south of England from the mid 1960s to the early '70s.
This new site gives a nostalgic look back at the Andover-based band from their early beginnings as eager schoolboys through to those heady days when they supported some big name bands and dared to imagine that they might one day make the big time themselves.
Alas it was not to be, but their story is typical of a number of bands in that formative era, and gives an interesting insight into the life of a working semi-pro band in the pre-mobile disco heyday of live rock music.
With photographs of the band in action and free music that can be listened to on line or downloaded from the site this is a comprehensive look at Filthy Beast - a band that almost made it.
The music is raw, originally recorded on a cassette recorder live from within the audience, and nowhere near hi fi standard but it is a sample of the enthusiastic approach of bands in those days and has a certain charm.
http://www.filthybeast.co.uk
Dance Island reveals initial Line-Up
Tiger Promotions, the organisers of Dance Island 2008, has announced the first set of artists scheduled to appear at this summer’s newest dance festival, featuring some of the biggest names from the global dance scene.
BBC Radio 1’s Dave Pearce and Kutski, Italy’s number one international superstar, Mauro Picotto, Ireland’s leading trance sensations, Agnelli & Nelson, Andy Farley, K90, Audio Surgery, Ratpack, Slipmatt and the Tidy Boys are just a few of the 50 plus artists set to perform at the festival taking place over the weekend of 5-6 July 2008.
With the remaining line-up, including two headline artists for the festivals main outdoor stage, due to be announced shortly, the event, which will be set in 120 acres of private land just outside of Ely, Cambridgeshire, is being billed as East Anglia’s biggest electronic music event of the year.
Over 10,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which features five huge arenas, a massive outdoor stage, a VIP area with exclusive entertainment hosted by the amazing Fierce Angles team as well as a fun-fair, a food village, a chill-out area and trade stalls.
The full line-up so far includes:
Mauro Picotto
Agnelli & Nelson
Dave Pearce
Kutski
K90
Darren Styles
SY
Hixxy Storm
Whizzkid
Ratpack
Slipmat
Unity
Tidy Boys
DJ-X
Lab4
Andy Farley
Big Ben
Mark Sherry
Audio Surgery
Mark Doyle
Matt Collins
BeatThiefs
Lee Haslam
JB Project
Dan Stone
Paul Wilkerson
Mark Huges
Tickets are now available for online sale through the Dance Island website – www.dance-island.com. Festival updates and further line-up announcements will be made soon so visit the Dance Island regularly for the latest information.
BBC Radio 1’s Dave Pearce and Kutski, Italy’s number one international superstar, Mauro Picotto, Ireland’s leading trance sensations, Agnelli & Nelson, Andy Farley, K90, Audio Surgery, Ratpack, Slipmatt and the Tidy Boys are just a few of the 50 plus artists set to perform at the festival taking place over the weekend of 5-6 July 2008.
With the remaining line-up, including two headline artists for the festivals main outdoor stage, due to be announced shortly, the event, which will be set in 120 acres of private land just outside of Ely, Cambridgeshire, is being billed as East Anglia’s biggest electronic music event of the year.
Over 10,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which features five huge arenas, a massive outdoor stage, a VIP area with exclusive entertainment hosted by the amazing Fierce Angles team as well as a fun-fair, a food village, a chill-out area and trade stalls.
The full line-up so far includes:
Mauro Picotto
Agnelli & Nelson
Dave Pearce
Kutski
K90
Darren Styles
SY
Hixxy Storm
Whizzkid
Ratpack
Slipmat
Unity
Tidy Boys
DJ-X
Lab4
Andy Farley
Big Ben
Mark Sherry
Audio Surgery
Mark Doyle
Matt Collins
BeatThiefs
Lee Haslam
JB Project
Dan Stone
Paul Wilkerson
Mark Huges
Tickets are now available for online sale through the Dance Island website – www.dance-island.com. Festival updates and further line-up announcements will be made soon so visit the Dance Island regularly for the latest information.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
The More The Merrier
Evocative sea shanty songs take us to St Katharine Docks on the Thames and set the scene. This was a landing and departure point for immigrants settling in the UK and emigrants heading off to the new World. Immigration and emigration represent striving for a better world, yet from the 1905 aliens act onwards the UK began to shut its’ borders. The film suggests that while attitudes to immigration have been de-racialised there has been more closure than ever before and situates today’s anti immigrant sentiment within a culture of limits.
The film incorporates inspiring arguments from the Battle of Ideas immigration debate and features Bruno Waterfield Brussels correspondent for The Daily telegraph who argues “anti immigration sentiments represent a closure of the historical imagination” and quoting American writer P J O’Rourke he points that if the whole of the worlds’ population moved to one place they would cover a space the size of former Yugoslavia at the same density as Manhatten and he says “Manhatten is a pretty good place to live.”
Philippe Legrain author of Immigrants Your Country Needs Them explains internal migration outstrips migration overseas today and this has “not for example caused China to collapse.” Legrain ridicules the ‘points system’ and argues immigration controls today represent a form of global apartheid. Illustrating these points Sadhavi Sharma a young Indian student obliged to go home, explains why she wants to stay and has more friends here than in Bombay.
WORLDwrite Director Ceri Dingle explains: “This is a positive pro immigration film, not a tragic story, not an exceptional case but a fresh appraisal of the debate with a much needed historical perspective. Cutting through the depressing low expectations we have for what is possible today, the title of the film says it all.”
The More the Merrier will be launched along with a further short documentary Cash Back highlighting the role of remittances (monies sent by migrants and diasporas back to countries of origin) at the new Vibe Lounge, Brick lane, London E1 on Sunday 20th April at 6pm. Speakers will include Philippe Legrain, (Author Immigrants their country needs you) Claire Fox (Director Institute of Ideas) and a representative of Open the Borders – a spiked-online campaign.
The film incorporates inspiring arguments from the Battle of Ideas immigration debate and features Bruno Waterfield Brussels correspondent for The Daily telegraph who argues “anti immigration sentiments represent a closure of the historical imagination” and quoting American writer P J O’Rourke he points that if the whole of the worlds’ population moved to one place they would cover a space the size of former Yugoslavia at the same density as Manhatten and he says “Manhatten is a pretty good place to live.”
Philippe Legrain author of Immigrants Your Country Needs Them explains internal migration outstrips migration overseas today and this has “not for example caused China to collapse.” Legrain ridicules the ‘points system’ and argues immigration controls today represent a form of global apartheid. Illustrating these points Sadhavi Sharma a young Indian student obliged to go home, explains why she wants to stay and has more friends here than in Bombay.
WORLDwrite Director Ceri Dingle explains: “This is a positive pro immigration film, not a tragic story, not an exceptional case but a fresh appraisal of the debate with a much needed historical perspective. Cutting through the depressing low expectations we have for what is possible today, the title of the film says it all.”
The More the Merrier will be launched along with a further short documentary Cash Back highlighting the role of remittances (monies sent by migrants and diasporas back to countries of origin) at the new Vibe Lounge, Brick lane, London E1 on Sunday 20th April at 6pm. Speakers will include Philippe Legrain, (Author Immigrants their country needs you) Claire Fox (Director Institute of Ideas) and a representative of Open the Borders – a spiked-online campaign.
Zee Bangla and Zee Telugu on WatchIndia.TV
WatchIndia.TV Caters to the Regional Markets of India With Zee Bangla and Zee Telugu. The Non Resident Indian community in the US is extremely large and active in preserving cultural ties.
WatchIndia.TV, the premier internet TV company for the Indian diaspora with the largest TV selection, just launched Zee Telugu and Zee Bangla. After the successful launch of Zee Marathi, Zee Punjabi and Zee Gujurati on the platform, WatchIndia decided to cater to all large regional markets.
The Non Resident Indian community in the US is extremely large and active in preserving cultural ties. Zee Telugu is the perfect connection to culture, entertainment, and news from Andhra Pradesh.
Hit shows like SaReGaMaPa 2008 Voice of Youth – the Telugu version of Zee TV’s hit SaReGaMaPa, and AATA, a dance competition with TV celebrities dancing to avoid elimination, are just a few of the great shows on Zee Telugu.
Zee Bangla claims the best Bengali entertainment with reality shows, talent shows, serials and of course lots of food programs for Bengali cuisine. Shows like Dance Bangla Dance Junior and the most popular series in Bengal, Khela are just a few of what’s in store on Zee Bangla.
Subscribers can get Zee Telugu or Zee Bangla for just $9.99/month respectively—that’s 30 cents per day for real local news and entertainment. WatchIndia also offers the Zee Entertainment Pack with Zee TV, Zee Cinema and subscribers choice of regional channel for just $15.99 a month.
“The sizable community from West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh in the diaspora are eager for regional content from their home town”, says Tripti Singh, WatchIndia.TV’s spokesperson.
WatchIndia.TV offers the 30 million Non-Resident Indians worldwide a connection to Indian sports, news, entertainment, culture and movies. WatchIndia offers flexibility in packages and viewing for 50% less than cable and satellite providers. With just an internet connection Indians from Bengal and Andhra Pradesh can log on and watch live programs or catch in on demand for up to 14 days for all channels.
WatchIndia.TV is the first site from Live Asia TV, an innovative new Internet Television company whose goal is to bring ethnic Asian programming to those residing in other countries. WatchIndia.TV partnered with top rated Indian networks to offer subscribers the flexibility to watch the best national and regional channels when and where they want. For more information, or a free 5-day trial, visit www.WatchIndia.TV
.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Warehouse Theatre Company Presents The World Premiere Of Clocked
A new play by Neil Flynn
Opens Friday 2 May and continues until Sunday 25 May at the
Warehouse Theatre, Croydon.
World première of the selected play from the International Playwriting Festival 2007 CLOCKED tells story of three men whose lives and relationships affect and inflict one another in the most deadly of ways.
Quinn, a painter, works out of a studio in his modest townhouse which he shares with Moore who has a mysterious job that requires him to work all hours.
Late one evening, Moore’s life is interrupted with the appearance of a man in the house who tells him that’s his name is Ray, that he met Quinn on the balcony and he is now his assistant….Is it true?
And hadn’t Moore met him before in strange circumstances?
What would you do to stop the secrets of the past from being told?
Engrossing, savage and darkly humorous, CLOCKED explores the themes of relationships, secrets and sexual identity in this absorbing new thriller by Ireland’s most outstanding up and coming writer.
CLOCKED was selected from over 600 plays submitted from around the world for the International Playwriting Festival 2007. Neil Flynn lives in County Kerry, Ireland and CLOCKED marks his debut as a playwright.
Ted Craig, Artistic Director & Chief Executive of the Warehouse Theatre will direct CLOCKED. He has directed all over the UK, in Europe, the Far East and the US, most notably Malcolm McDowell in Look Back in Anger in New York and as the Director of the Drama Theatre at the Sydney Opera House.
The production will be designed by Graham Constable.
Stars Lee Colley as Ray (Hang Lenny Pope and Street Trilogy both devised by Theatre Absolute, Holby City and BBC Drama, Hiroshima), Jonathan Oliver as Moore (BBC’s Angel of Death, Channel 4’s Agincourt and Compass Theatre Companies touring production of Moby Dick) and Robert Austin as Quinn (Alan Ayckbourn’s A Trip To Scarbourgh, Look Back In Anger at The Litchfield Garrick and Moon Landing at Derby Playhouse).
Discussion night
There will be an informal post-show discussion in the auditorium with the writer, director, cast and crew on Wednesday 21 May.
Performance Times and Ticket Prices (concessions)
Tuesday 6.30pm £10 (£8)
Wednesday 8pm £10 (£8)
Thursday 8pm £ 8
Friday 8pm £15 (£10)
Saturday 8pm £15
Sunday 5pm £10 (£8)
Box office: 020 8680 4060 or online at: www.warehousetheatre.co.uk"
Information: info@warehousetheatre.co.uk
Warehouse Theatre
Dingwall Road
Croydon
CR0 2NF
Adjacent to East Croydon Interchange
Opens Friday 2 May and continues until Sunday 25 May at the
Warehouse Theatre, Croydon.
World première of the selected play from the International Playwriting Festival 2007 CLOCKED tells story of three men whose lives and relationships affect and inflict one another in the most deadly of ways.
Quinn, a painter, works out of a studio in his modest townhouse which he shares with Moore who has a mysterious job that requires him to work all hours.
Late one evening, Moore’s life is interrupted with the appearance of a man in the house who tells him that’s his name is Ray, that he met Quinn on the balcony and he is now his assistant….Is it true?
And hadn’t Moore met him before in strange circumstances?
What would you do to stop the secrets of the past from being told?
Engrossing, savage and darkly humorous, CLOCKED explores the themes of relationships, secrets and sexual identity in this absorbing new thriller by Ireland’s most outstanding up and coming writer.
CLOCKED was selected from over 600 plays submitted from around the world for the International Playwriting Festival 2007. Neil Flynn lives in County Kerry, Ireland and CLOCKED marks his debut as a playwright.
Ted Craig, Artistic Director & Chief Executive of the Warehouse Theatre will direct CLOCKED. He has directed all over the UK, in Europe, the Far East and the US, most notably Malcolm McDowell in Look Back in Anger in New York and as the Director of the Drama Theatre at the Sydney Opera House.
The production will be designed by Graham Constable.
Stars Lee Colley as Ray (Hang Lenny Pope and Street Trilogy both devised by Theatre Absolute, Holby City and BBC Drama, Hiroshima), Jonathan Oliver as Moore (BBC’s Angel of Death, Channel 4’s Agincourt and Compass Theatre Companies touring production of Moby Dick) and Robert Austin as Quinn (Alan Ayckbourn’s A Trip To Scarbourgh, Look Back In Anger at The Litchfield Garrick and Moon Landing at Derby Playhouse).
Discussion night
There will be an informal post-show discussion in the auditorium with the writer, director, cast and crew on Wednesday 21 May.
Performance Times and Ticket Prices (concessions)
Tuesday 6.30pm £10 (£8)
Wednesday 8pm £10 (£8)
Thursday 8pm £ 8
Friday 8pm £15 (£10)
Saturday 8pm £15
Sunday 5pm £10 (£8)
Box office: 020 8680 4060 or online at: www.warehousetheatre.co.uk"
Information: info@warehousetheatre.co.uk
Warehouse Theatre
Dingwall Road
Croydon
CR0 2NF
Adjacent to East Croydon Interchange
Jonathan Ross Signed As First Guest On BBC Three's The Wall
Brand new comedy event launching Tuesday 8th April at 11pm.
One of Britain’s most popular television personalities, Jonathan Ross is set to appear on BBC Three’s The Wall as the very first guest. Like all of The Wall’s celebrity guests, Jonathan will perform in some of the sketches…be prepared to expect the unexpected...
Jonathan will join television’s hottest property Alexa Chung and comedy star Rhys Thomas (The Fast Show, Star Stories) for the show packed full of comedy, music and unpredictable interaction.
Viewers will also be treated to an electrifying and exclusive performance from the coolest new indie band around- Mystery Jets, who will be performing their next single ‘Two Doors Down’ live in the studio.
At the heart of the show, The Wall will be the programme’s link to the online world. It’s a place for viewers to post their own sketches, ask celebrity guests questions and become part of the performance.
Check out www.bbc.co.uk/thewall for a sneak peek at some of the comedy sketches and how you can get involved.
One of Britain’s most popular television personalities, Jonathan Ross is set to appear on BBC Three’s The Wall as the very first guest. Like all of The Wall’s celebrity guests, Jonathan will perform in some of the sketches…be prepared to expect the unexpected...
Jonathan will join television’s hottest property Alexa Chung and comedy star Rhys Thomas (The Fast Show, Star Stories) for the show packed full of comedy, music and unpredictable interaction.
Viewers will also be treated to an electrifying and exclusive performance from the coolest new indie band around- Mystery Jets, who will be performing their next single ‘Two Doors Down’ live in the studio.
At the heart of the show, The Wall will be the programme’s link to the online world. It’s a place for viewers to post their own sketches, ask celebrity guests questions and become part of the performance.
Check out www.bbc.co.uk/thewall for a sneak peek at some of the comedy sketches and how you can get involved.
Rough Trade East - Winner of Retail Store of the Year Award!
Rough Trade East, the landmark 5000 sq/ft music store, located just of Brick Lane in East London, last night won High Street Retail Store of the Year at the annual Music Week industry awards.
In true ‘David v Goliath’ fashion, independent retailer Rough Trade won industry votes over other nominees, including the new HMV flagship store in Dudley, as well as other music (independent and multiple) retailers across the UK.
“There’s no doubt, Rough Trade East is something special. More than simply a place to purchase exciting new music, it also fulfills a public service role that provides music lovers a place to congregate and celebrate music as an artform”, says Stephen Godfroy, a director of Rough Trade.
Located at the Old Truman Brewery site off Brick Lane, Rough Trade East boasts a strikingly unique interior, designed by internationally renowned architect, David Adjaye.
“Rough Trade East triumphantly shows how a record store can evolve to be a relevant, inspiring and friendly environment for all ages and tastes”, enthuses Godfroy. “UK music lovers and East Londoners in particular should feel extremely proud to have this cultural epicentre on their doorstep”, he concludes.
Since opening in July 07, Rough Trade East has continued the company’s 30-year heritage of staging weekly ‘free to attend’ instore gigs from the latest and greatest bands, most notably the ‘secret’ Radiohead gig earlier this year.
Thanks to its vast size, Rough Trade East also provides space for exhibitions. On Tuesday, an exhibition opened by legendary rock music photographer, Steve Gullick, featuring iconic portraits of music legends, from Nirvana to Nick Cave.
Rough Trade East features:
- Curated stock in which every item (vinyl and CD) has a written description on to encourage browsing, adventure and discovery
- Knowledgeable staff with over 100 years music retail experience, ready and waiting to recommend and share a mutual appreciation of music
- A live stage/PA which continues a 30-year heritage of regular ‘free to attend’ instore gigs that intimately introduce the latest and greatest bands
- A Fair Trade Café
- A ‘snug’ area containing iMac’s, sofas and desks to provide a private space for customers to meet friends and colleagues
- Regular workshops that provide the opportunity to embrace music culture, from music-making workshops for Under 18s, to monthly ‘screen-print t-shirt’ sessions
For people unable to regularly visit the store, Rough Trade offer The Album Club service (www.thealbumclub.com), which sends its members once a month by post (CD) or email (MP3) the most exciting new music to suit their taste and degree of adventure. From just £12 month, The Album Club is an original, convenient and exciting way to enjoy the award-winning Rough Trade experience, no matter where you live.
In true ‘David v Goliath’ fashion, independent retailer Rough Trade won industry votes over other nominees, including the new HMV flagship store in Dudley, as well as other music (independent and multiple) retailers across the UK.
“There’s no doubt, Rough Trade East is something special. More than simply a place to purchase exciting new music, it also fulfills a public service role that provides music lovers a place to congregate and celebrate music as an artform”, says Stephen Godfroy, a director of Rough Trade.
Located at the Old Truman Brewery site off Brick Lane, Rough Trade East boasts a strikingly unique interior, designed by internationally renowned architect, David Adjaye.
“Rough Trade East triumphantly shows how a record store can evolve to be a relevant, inspiring and friendly environment for all ages and tastes”, enthuses Godfroy. “UK music lovers and East Londoners in particular should feel extremely proud to have this cultural epicentre on their doorstep”, he concludes.
Since opening in July 07, Rough Trade East has continued the company’s 30-year heritage of staging weekly ‘free to attend’ instore gigs from the latest and greatest bands, most notably the ‘secret’ Radiohead gig earlier this year.
Thanks to its vast size, Rough Trade East also provides space for exhibitions. On Tuesday, an exhibition opened by legendary rock music photographer, Steve Gullick, featuring iconic portraits of music legends, from Nirvana to Nick Cave.
Rough Trade East features:
- Curated stock in which every item (vinyl and CD) has a written description on to encourage browsing, adventure and discovery
- Knowledgeable staff with over 100 years music retail experience, ready and waiting to recommend and share a mutual appreciation of music
- A live stage/PA which continues a 30-year heritage of regular ‘free to attend’ instore gigs that intimately introduce the latest and greatest bands
- A Fair Trade Café
- A ‘snug’ area containing iMac’s, sofas and desks to provide a private space for customers to meet friends and colleagues
- Regular workshops that provide the opportunity to embrace music culture, from music-making workshops for Under 18s, to monthly ‘screen-print t-shirt’ sessions
For people unable to regularly visit the store, Rough Trade offer The Album Club service (www.thealbumclub.com), which sends its members once a month by post (CD) or email (MP3) the most exciting new music to suit their taste and degree of adventure. From just £12 month, The Album Club is an original, convenient and exciting way to enjoy the award-winning Rough Trade experience, no matter where you live.
UK court overturns 'Whiter Shade of Pale' copyright ruling
Gary Brooker and Onward Music have been successful on their appeal concerning the copyright in the 1967 Procol Harum hit A Whiter Shade of Pale.
The Court of Appeal today overturned the High Court’s 2006 decision under which Matthew Fisher, former organist with the band, was awarded 40% of the musical copyright in the song. The Court of Appeal judgement was based on the fact that Fisher had waited almost 40 years to bring forward his claim.
Following the ruling, the full copyright in the song remains with the original writers Gary Brooker (music) and Keith Reid (lyrics) and their publishers.
Fisher, who played the organ on the Procol Harum recording, will get joint authorship for his contribution to the work. However he is not entitled to a copyright interest in the song, royalties whether past or future, and has no control over its exploitation.
A Whiter Shade of Pale is one of the most successful songs in British pop history, having sold over 6 million copies since its release and inspiring numerous cover versions.
Gary Brooker commented "For nearly three years this claim has been a great strain upon myself and my family. I believe the original trial was unfair and the results wrong. Justly, the decisions of the Court of Appeal have gone some way to putting this right and I would hope that now, we can all get on with our lives".
Simon Platz, Managing Director of Onward Music Ltd said "This is a common sense decision that should have been made at the outset. I believe that the music industry as a whole needs to re-visit its contractual relationship with musicians. Hopefully this decision will also stop spurious claims in future".
Lawrence Abramson, Managing Partner of media and entertainment lawyers, Harbottle & Lewis, led the case: "I’m delighted with the outcome of the appeal. The original decision was a major concern to all publishing companies who were steeling themselves for old claims from any number of musicians. In the light of the Court of Appeal’s judgment, most of these claims are now likely to fail".
The Court of Appeal today overturned the High Court’s 2006 decision under which Matthew Fisher, former organist with the band, was awarded 40% of the musical copyright in the song. The Court of Appeal judgement was based on the fact that Fisher had waited almost 40 years to bring forward his claim.
Following the ruling, the full copyright in the song remains with the original writers Gary Brooker (music) and Keith Reid (lyrics) and their publishers.
Fisher, who played the organ on the Procol Harum recording, will get joint authorship for his contribution to the work. However he is not entitled to a copyright interest in the song, royalties whether past or future, and has no control over its exploitation.
A Whiter Shade of Pale is one of the most successful songs in British pop history, having sold over 6 million copies since its release and inspiring numerous cover versions.
Gary Brooker commented "For nearly three years this claim has been a great strain upon myself and my family. I believe the original trial was unfair and the results wrong. Justly, the decisions of the Court of Appeal have gone some way to putting this right and I would hope that now, we can all get on with our lives".
Simon Platz, Managing Director of Onward Music Ltd said "This is a common sense decision that should have been made at the outset. I believe that the music industry as a whole needs to re-visit its contractual relationship with musicians. Hopefully this decision will also stop spurious claims in future".
Lawrence Abramson, Managing Partner of media and entertainment lawyers, Harbottle & Lewis, led the case: "I’m delighted with the outcome of the appeal. The original decision was a major concern to all publishing companies who were steeling themselves for old claims from any number of musicians. In the light of the Court of Appeal’s judgment, most of these claims are now likely to fail".
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Family Ties Season 1 Available On DVD From 28th April
Family Ties Season 1 Available on DVD from 28th April, Family Ties Season 1 introduces us to the Keaton family and a hilarious example of the generation gap. Whilst idealistic parents Steven and Elyse belong to the flower power generation, this is Regan-era 1980’s America and their children, Alex (three-time Emmy award-winner Michael J. Fox), Mallory (Justine Bateman), and Jennifer (Tina Yothers) are more interested in consumerism and making a quick buck, and have little time for the ‘peace and love’ vibe which their parent try and instil in them.
A twenty one year-old Michael J. Fox quickly becomes the focus of the show as his strong Republican Conservatism jars relentlessly with his parent’s more liberal ideals and the comedy flows effortlessly. So successful was the show that it ran for seven seasons and launched the career of Michael J. Fox, undoubtedly one of the biggest stars of the '80s. To see where it all started, Family Ties Season 1 is a vital addition to any DVD collection.
A twenty one year-old Michael J. Fox quickly becomes the focus of the show as his strong Republican Conservatism jars relentlessly with his parent’s more liberal ideals and the comedy flows effortlessly. So successful was the show that it ran for seven seasons and launched the career of Michael J. Fox, undoubtedly one of the biggest stars of the '80s. To see where it all started, Family Ties Season 1 is a vital addition to any DVD collection.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
BBC Three Launches The Wall
Hosted by television’s hottest property Alexa Chung and comedy star Rhys Thomas (The Fast Show/Torchwood, Star Stories). The Wall is BBC Three’s weekly comedy event. The brand new series is big on excitement, unpredictability and interaction.
The Wall will feature an ensemble of rising comedy talent including Lucy Montgomery (Tittybangbang), We Are Klang (If.comedy Award nominess, 2006) and Simon Brodkin (Writers' Guild Best Newcomer, Edinburgh, 2006).
Each week celebrity guests join the regular cast for a mix of sketches, interviews and music performed live in front of a young, up for it audience. At the heart of the show, The Wall will be the programme’s link to the online world. It’s a place for viewers to post their own sketches, ask celebrity guests questions and become part of the performance. Viewers will also be treated to electrifying and exclusive performances from some of the coolest new bands on the scene.
Alexa Chung says: “I'm really excited to be presenting The Wall and to be working with BBC Three. Hopefully we'll discover some great comics and bands of the future”.
Rhys Thomas was unavailable for comment as he is currently helping a man from the lino company put some flooring down in the toilet, but a spokesperson very close to him says : “Rhys is delighted to be the new co-host of The Wall. Ever since he first heard about the show, he pretended that he wasn't interested and that it would never work, when deep inside he was desperate to be asked to be involved and would have done so at the drop of a hat.
"What made matters worse was that his wife Lucy Montgomery, and his best friend from school were working on it and he wasn't. After lots of jealous rows with his wife, and friend, agent, the production team, friends, family, man from the Lino company, he is now co-hosting and over the moon. Rhys is expecting his first baby on the date of the first recording, but will not let that get in the way of his glittering career.”
The Wall is a dedicated showcase for the next generation of British comedy and entertainment talent.
The Wall’s website is now live and will bring you some of the funniest and most entertaining video’s on line. We’ll be putting up new videos from fresh comedy talent every week. To find out more, please log onto:
www.bbc.co.uk/thewall
FACT FILE:
The Wall’s comedy acts include:
WE ARE KLANG: With their act honed through countless live performances, and a natural chemistry, there’s no one to match Klang – Greg Davies, Marek Larwood and Steve Hall. Sometimes daft, sometimes pantomime, but always funny – Their comedy will give a distinctive flavour to the show.
SIMON BRODKIN AKA LEE NELSY NELSON: Simon’s amazing ability to create an array of comedy characters is what makes him destined to be one of The Wall’s star faces. His character ‘Lee Nelsy Nelson’ represents the likeable side of British yobbery.
SIMON BRODKIN AKA DR OMPRAKASH: Simon Brodkin’s ‘Dr Omprakash’ is a dimwitted physician that clearly has little formal training or grasp of any ethical or moral code. His shocking advice on the ailments of the general public will have people fleeing the National Health Service quicker than you can say ‘botulism’.
LUCY MONTGOMERY AKA CHARLES IRONS: Lucy Montgomery’s Charles Irons character is a fiftysomething actor extraordinaire and British film legend. Charles likes nothing better than to get stuck into a new and challenging film role, just so long as it involves a sex scene with a gorgeous young woman.
JAMIE GLASSMAN AKA TONY IZZET: After cutting his teeth as a writer on the Ali G Show, Jamie Glassman has gone on to develop his very own character ‘Tony Izzet’. Viewing life through the rose-tinted windscreen of his Volkswagen Passat, Tony’s excitable and childlike observations of everyday life make you see your own world in a different light.
The Wall will feature an ensemble of rising comedy talent including Lucy Montgomery (Tittybangbang), We Are Klang (If.comedy Award nominess, 2006) and Simon Brodkin (Writers' Guild Best Newcomer, Edinburgh, 2006).
Each week celebrity guests join the regular cast for a mix of sketches, interviews and music performed live in front of a young, up for it audience. At the heart of the show, The Wall will be the programme’s link to the online world. It’s a place for viewers to post their own sketches, ask celebrity guests questions and become part of the performance. Viewers will also be treated to electrifying and exclusive performances from some of the coolest new bands on the scene.
Alexa Chung says: “I'm really excited to be presenting The Wall and to be working with BBC Three. Hopefully we'll discover some great comics and bands of the future”.
Rhys Thomas was unavailable for comment as he is currently helping a man from the lino company put some flooring down in the toilet, but a spokesperson very close to him says : “Rhys is delighted to be the new co-host of The Wall. Ever since he first heard about the show, he pretended that he wasn't interested and that it would never work, when deep inside he was desperate to be asked to be involved and would have done so at the drop of a hat.
"What made matters worse was that his wife Lucy Montgomery, and his best friend from school were working on it and he wasn't. After lots of jealous rows with his wife, and friend, agent, the production team, friends, family, man from the Lino company, he is now co-hosting and over the moon. Rhys is expecting his first baby on the date of the first recording, but will not let that get in the way of his glittering career.”
The Wall is a dedicated showcase for the next generation of British comedy and entertainment talent.
The Wall’s website is now live and will bring you some of the funniest and most entertaining video’s on line. We’ll be putting up new videos from fresh comedy talent every week. To find out more, please log onto:
www.bbc.co.uk/thewall
FACT FILE:
The Wall’s comedy acts include:
WE ARE KLANG: With their act honed through countless live performances, and a natural chemistry, there’s no one to match Klang – Greg Davies, Marek Larwood and Steve Hall. Sometimes daft, sometimes pantomime, but always funny – Their comedy will give a distinctive flavour to the show.
SIMON BRODKIN AKA LEE NELSY NELSON: Simon’s amazing ability to create an array of comedy characters is what makes him destined to be one of The Wall’s star faces. His character ‘Lee Nelsy Nelson’ represents the likeable side of British yobbery.
SIMON BRODKIN AKA DR OMPRAKASH: Simon Brodkin’s ‘Dr Omprakash’ is a dimwitted physician that clearly has little formal training or grasp of any ethical or moral code. His shocking advice on the ailments of the general public will have people fleeing the National Health Service quicker than you can say ‘botulism’.
LUCY MONTGOMERY AKA CHARLES IRONS: Lucy Montgomery’s Charles Irons character is a fiftysomething actor extraordinaire and British film legend. Charles likes nothing better than to get stuck into a new and challenging film role, just so long as it involves a sex scene with a gorgeous young woman.
JAMIE GLASSMAN AKA TONY IZZET: After cutting his teeth as a writer on the Ali G Show, Jamie Glassman has gone on to develop his very own character ‘Tony Izzet’. Viewing life through the rose-tinted windscreen of his Volkswagen Passat, Tony’s excitable and childlike observations of everyday life make you see your own world in a different light.
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