Month: May 2012

More electronic acts join Exit Festival

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The impressive Dance Arena line-up gets even bigger and better with it's eclectic line up. Critically aclaimed act Knife Party are first up and will be performing on July 15th. A side project from Pendulum’s Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen, this Australian electro-house-dubstep duo launched to stratospheric heights after remixing Swedish House Mafia, pumping their high octane fuel injection to the public sonisphere, they are smashing dancefloors worldwide, and will for sure be tearing up the fortress walls in a similar fashion. Jacques Lu Cont, a man with many names – Les Rythmes Digitales, Paper Faces, Man With Guitar and Thin White Duke, gained the current super-popularity mostly thanks to his decade-long collaboration with Madonna, and whose renowned album "Confessions on a Dance Floor" was produced by none other than him. Jacques Lu Cont’s splendorous career has been crowned with three Grammys up to this date, thanks to his original scores as well as his remixes and will be performing on Thursday July 12th. Thursday will also feature Eats Everything, the British producer who has recently exploded in the underground house scene, made his mark on the famous Essential Mix on BBC Radio1, and is currently under Hot Creations, dirtybird, Hypercolour, Greco Roman to name a few labels. His tour bus will have to make another stop – at this year’s Exit Festival along with label mate American producer Claude Von Stroke, whose tracks "Deep Throat", sold in over 10,000 copies, and "Who's Afraid Of Detroit", turned him into a touring machine. His label, symbolically named "dirtybird" became the primary exporter of electronic music in the United States, with over 50 EPs released since the foundation in 2005. The same night Saturday 14th July, Benoit & Sergio start the proceedings with their inimitable take on house and techno, expect a juxtaposition of pristine production and lyricism which will prove why they are one of the most unique and interesting outfits in dance music today. They will be joined by German and London underground stalwarts, Tobi Neuman b2b Geddes. Stemming both from the uber cool underground scenes in Germany and London respectively, Tobi Neuman resident of Berlin’s Watergate and Weekend and Geddes heading mulletover, London’s biggest and longest running underground warehouse party. Both mix a myriad of music that develops its own soft, dark gravity, balancing on the fine, almost irrecognizable line between house and techno: sexy and friendly, finishing off the Saturday night perfectly.

After 2AM program traditionally welcomes some of the greatest Drum’n’ Bass and Dubstep scene. The second day of our festival features one of the leaders of the new d’n’b talents in Europe, and a star for Hospital Records, Netsky. We have enough time to prepare for his second studio album, starting with his latest single “Come Alive” which is due May 21. Drumsound & Bassline Smith, will also present their work at the festival on the second day. The British production team, consisting of Andrew Wright, Benjamin Wiggett (Drumsound), and Simon 'Bassline' Smith, who release their work under their very own Technique Recordings are BBC Radio 1’s favourites. They released their single “Close“ in August last year, which won the award for the Best Song and Best Video at this year’s “Official Drum & Bass Awards“. Both acts are featured by MC Dynamite, a globetrotter and the jungle, drum'n' bass, hip hop, dubstep and reggae dancefloor preacher. On July 14, After 2AM program hosts the Israeli Dubstep producer and DJ, Asaf Borger, hiding under the alias Borgore. A self-proclaimed “ young man following big dreams, a private beach and the olsen twins.“ classifies his musical genre, a mixture of drum beats with Heavy Metal influences as “Gorestep“. The last, but not the least, we welcome Goldie, on the last day of the festival. Goldie is an English musician, DJ, visual artist, actor and a celebrity, who will be accompanied by one of the most innovative and wanted MCs of the world, SP:MC.

The second-biggest Exit electronic music stage, Happynovisad, hot spot for the alternative electronic acts, is preparing this year’s programme for the fans of the most progressive musical genres. Friday, July 13 welcomes performers from the highly influential, top quality Hotflush Recordings label. The British producer, currently residing in Berlin, Sigha, is one of the leading techno producers of the label. Alongside these two icons, Happynovisad stage is, on Friday, also hosting Tim Van de Meutter a.k.a. Locked Groove, who carries his own signature – an explosive blend of industrial techno and a melancholic deep house which assign a star-status to him. Finally, another Hotflush baby, George Fitzgerald, famous for his original house-garage-techno-dubstep cocktail will make Friday 13th on Happynovisad unforgettable!  Saturday, July 14 will see the dawn of a young Belfast-based producer Jack Hamill, who gained his popularity under the aliasSpace Dimension Controller. Claiming to be born in the 24th century, he returned through time, accidentally crashing his Electropod to be stuck here with nothing but presenting his funky electro sound. He will just have to stick with our outdated airplanes and dancefloors before he gets back to 2352.

Elektrana stage, the place of all jovial electro lovers, announces its marvellous and abundant line-up for this year, alongside the already announced Sneaky Sound System and When Saints Go Machine. Thursday, July 12 will see the appearance of a dancefloor favourite, Christian Strobe, an 80s music baby, who ended up as a child of indie music, cosmic house and nu-disco. A day later, Elektrana stage welcomes Thieves Like Us, a five-piece band who manages to combine post-punk, new wave, italo disco, synth pop, and yet sound so electro-poppish that it makes you wan to dance all night! The same day, the stage welcomes Greek musical genius Nikkon, whose opus is described as a chill-out Electro sound paired with dreamy female vocals who give his music an additional, deep and refined note.

The striking festival day, Saturday, will be reserved for Tapeaters. A Russian Electro-Pop/Funk duo formed in 2009 features a sound created by warm vintage synths, funky vibe and a vocal polyphony all in one big emotion. The same day, something completely different strikes the fortress – DAT Politics, one of the most important electro-exatic bands on the planet. They are characterized by a precisely-sharpened turbo pop mood, while their computers create some of the catchiest melodies you have ever danced to.

Franz + Shape, Detachments and A Terrible Splendour will crown the festival on the last day, Sunday, July 15. The unique sound of Franz + Shape is created from a mix of acid wave and electro music. Their live performances are packed with a great electro sound combined with synths, drums and samplers, and the crowded dancefloor is their natural habitat! The Detachments, led by a creative mind – an artist, graphic designer, DJ and actor hailing from Lancaster, Bastien Marshal, is an interesting post – post- electroclash specimen. Currently, they are preparing a new album which will be mixed by none other than Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order). Finally, tales of blackmailing, desperation, cruelty and hopelessness will be told by London’s MM Lyle and Martin Block, who are served together under the name A Terrible Splendour. They call their genre “new romantic cabaret“, and are inspired by the artistic creations from the likes of Automelodi, Fisherspooner, Visage and Gina X. It shouldn’t take a long time to figure out their sound – under a dark and gloomy synth pop veil.

LINE UP SO FAR:
Guns N’ Roses, Duran Duran, New Order, Erykah Badu, Plan B, AVICII, Richie Hawtin, Gossip, Wolfmother, Luciano, Laurent Garnier LBS, Knife Party, Miss Kittin, Hercules & Love Affair, The Toy Dolls, Skindred, Little Dragon, Felix Da Housecat, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Azari & III, Buraka Som Sistema, Sneaky Sound System, Claude Von Stroke, Netsky & MC Dynamite, Goldie & SP:MC, Jacques Lu Cont, Art Department, Maceo Plex, Borgore, Reboot live, Thieves Like Us, Brodinski, Kenny Larkin, Drumsound & Bassline Smith & MC Dynamite, Robert Dietz, Citizens!, D.R.I., When Saints Go Machine, Eats Everything, Tobi Neuman b2b Geddes, Benoit & Sergio, Maayan Nidam, Street Dogs, Space Dimension Controller, George FitzGerald, Sigha, Lone, Pariah, Teengirl Fantasy live, The Chain, Locked Groove, Nikonn, The Tapeaters, DAT Politics, Franz + Shape, Detachments, A Terrible Splendour, Christian Strobe

Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2012 Review

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As I made my way to the daffodil on Friday evening for my first event after arriving in Cheltenham there was a quite atmosphere in the town. I walked down the promenade and past the Montpellier gardens where the heart of the festival was based, I saw a lot of people passing who were dressed up for the occasion. Whilst passing I could hear the Ray Charles numbers ringing from the big top which was being broadcast live on bbc radio 2. Minutes down the road I found the daffodil where the main event that was being held there was ‘Zara Mcfarlane. After the atmosphere being particularly quiet as I entered the main room the place was buzzing with people, wining a dining with plenty of staff serving them. There was a live band playing there was a great atmosphere but quite unique not one that I had experienced much of before. As the sound of groups of people engaging in conversation hummed round the room accompanied by the jazzy sounds of the house band. The venue was very swanky and suited the occasion well. High ceilings, chandeliers along with the general vibe and architecture of the venue, it suited the general impression I got from what I had seen of the town. I had entered at a good time as the dinner had passed people had moved onto desert and wine, the music from the band was creating anticipation for the main act, some of the music they played included famous jazz numbers from famous such as Miles davis and Dave Brubeck.

Jazz

After the short interval and a few words about the band and the general evening Zara stepped out on to the stage, the way the room was set out and the size of the venue instantly made it a very intimate occasion between her and the audience. She kicked off her show with a well no number ‘night and day’ a well known song from the late Ella Fitzgerald however adding her on twist on it which was interesting and impressive. The reason I had wanted to see her is because in the preview to the festival they had compared her to Jill Scott who I am a fan of and I can see why there was definitely similarities in her manner, performance and especially vocals. Her voice was elegant and soft however echoing through the room powerfully, which is often hard to find. Another thing that stood out for me was the effectively time intervals the backing band and her vocals which worked very smoothly together. The room is now silent as she has everybody complete attention, as they seemed to be mesmerized, all in all a very calm and elegant but powerful performance.

Another gig I attended was Marcus Miller this was the following day, entering the busy bustle of the big top there was great anticipation for him to come on which is no surprise as a musician of his caliber and reputation. The big top was filled and there was a great applause when he entered the stage, there was a lot more hype surrounding this show in comparison to others I had seen. The funky rhythm and blues that echoed from the speakers had everyone heads bopping, of course as it is all seated there wasn’t much dancing however you could tell that people wanted to. Alongside him in his backing band he had men playing instruments such as the sax, trumpet, piano, drums and guitar each one glimmering with their own style which I was impressed with, they show seemed to differentiate in the way they all had character and all appeared as individuals playing together rather than just seen as one backing band. Maurice Brown on the trumpet and Alex Haan on the sax particularly impressed me with their stage presence, timing and skill of the instruments. Marcus performed brilliantly as a front man in a very calm and laid back manner ripping funky licks from his guitar and his solos were heavily applauded.

That following evening I went to see Candi Staton’s show, a performer of her reputation had the whole of the Jazz arena animated and the que outside grew early and quickly I noticed. Introduced by her two backing singers however took their time over it created a good atmosphere and forced anticipation upon the audience. Their was a mixed crowd as she is well known performer from many generations switching from blues to more country music Candi’s voice boomed stopping every now and again to tell querky stories mainly about love lives and relationships and men and women which to me seemed to go on a bit much however she was running the show and getting laughs to. Half an hour into the act she introduced Paloma Faith onto the stage this took everyone by surprise as this was not scheduled and Paloma was playing in the big top on the Monday however Paloma being the young and up and coming star of the festival invited candi to play as her special guest and they seemed to have a genuine connection and appreciation of each other and their work, which was definitely good to see the younger and older generations stars of the genre performing together. She was encouraging people to join in and get out of their seats which was the first I had seen but nothing short of a surprise however it seemed to be that it wasn’t what some people expected as a lot of people made their way to the exits through the duration of the show, nonetheless was great to see a music legend such as her perform, one of the ultimate divas.

Candi Station

On whole this was a very different experience for me however that is why I enjoyed it, having an appreciation for jazz music however only on a small scale it was enjoyable to attend. The general atmosphere was very glamorous in the evenings with Cheltenham home to some prestigious restaurants and bars however a brilliant occasion for all the family from what I saw and even if you are not the biggest fan of jazz an pleasant weekend away.

Click here to view photos of Cheltenham Jazz Festival

Camden Crawl 2012 Review

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So the infamous Camden Crawl had a top Saturday to kick start the festival with Alabama 3, The Big Pink and The Futureheads headlining the bill. The festival is a steal at £65 for the weekend, giving you two days of roaming more than 50 of Camden’s clubs, pubs and other venues enjoying the best in upcoming music. There is something for everyone at the Crawl with karaoke and spoken-word included amongst all the live music performance.

Camden CrawlThe day kicked off in hardcore style with Bo Ningen giving it their all on the Redbull outdoor stage. The Japanese band played an energetic set ending in an eclipse of schreeching guitars and piercing vocals. Moving on and inside to The Abbey Tavern I was met with a crown packed to the doors for Peace. The Birmingham band played a quality set including debut track ‘BBlood’ and ‘Follow Baby’ which was a highlight. They bring a sound that could be considered new indie, with tracks drawing on bands such as Foals and Friendly Fires. The set was well received and there was a great atmosphere in the intimate venue.

They are certainly one to watch in the next few weeks with a gig at London’s 02 Academy Brixton (May 18th).

Following Peace, Sauna Youth played a small taster set before their 10.15 slot at the Barfly. Cramped into a corner of St Michaels Church the band – despite the loss of their sampler – gave a great performance that would surely tempt people to choose them over some of the bigger names in the late night slot.

Through the day I witnessed some superb new bands perform, with atheist band Hymns expanding their two-piece sound with two band members for performance in the Underworld. Sex Hands at The Black Cap were also a highlight, performing in the early evening, setting the bar for the much anticipated bands of the coming night.

I followed a huge surge of people eager for the headliners into Koko, and the venue was already reaching its capacity. Koko is an incredible venue and definitely stepped up the atmosphere compared to the more intimate venues earlier in the day. The Big Pink stepped out for their second appearance at Camden Crawl, and performed a lively set going hard with their synth-pop/electro-rock style. They pulled out tracks from their latest album ‘Future This’ mixed with Fan favourites like ‘Dominos’ that really flicked the switch on the crowd, and left everyone very excited for the evenings main act.

Camden Crawl

The Futureheads arrived with a purely acoustic set up, and gave an experimental set including more than a few songs performed acapella. They went with the raw style of their new album ‘Rant’, belting out tracks true to their hometown of Sunderland. Their were mixed reactions from the crowd who were met with an unexpected set that frontman Ross Millard explained was different in the wake of ‘Rant’. They ended the set with the most anticipated tune of the evening, their cover of Kate Bush’s ‘Hounds Of Love’. The day ended on a high, and there were too many highlights to count from the Camden Crawl. An all over great day of music, a highly recommended festival if you love music and a good time!

By Lewis Rhodes

Click here to view photos by Lewis Rhodes

Björk is out of the Sound

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Bjork

Björk released her Biophilia album last October and started her world tour this year. The tour took off very successfully, but after many sold-out shows she had to cancel two concerts in Buenos Aires and also her Sónar São Paulo gig due to medical advice. Doctors found a polyp, affecting the singer’s vocal chords.

In April we were still hoping for good news, since on her Facebook page Björk reported getting better and better, also expressing her hope to make up for the cancelled shows” – said Zoltán Fülöp, main organizer of Heineken Balaton Sound.

But today the bad piece of news has been confirmed: Björk cancelled the Balaton gig.

„We all hope she will get better soon and then we can make up for the cancelled show. With just 10 weeks to go till the festival our colleagues are working hard to find a replacement for this year’s Sunday headliner act, so we hope to come up with good news within a few days” – said Norbert Lobenwein, co-organizer of Heineken Balaton Sound.

23 new acts added to Dot To Dot Festival

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Cloud Nothings / Friends (Nottingham) / The Internet / 
2:54 (Nottingham / Manchester) / A Plastic Rose / All The Young / Doldrums /
Two Wounded Birds / Here We Go Magic (Bristol / Nottingham) / 
Hyde & Beast / The Dunwells / Eugene Francis Jr (Bristol / Manchester) / 
The Men (Manchester) / Last Dinosaurs / O Children /  Olugbenga (Metronomy) / 
Lewis Watson / Josh Kumra / Kwes / Mary Epworth / The Other Tribe (Bristol) / 
Seasfire (Bristol) / Sunless 97 (Nottingham / Manchester)

PLUS 
ATTENTION LIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS: WIN A PHOTOPASS

Bristol: Saturday 2nd June 2012
Nottingham: Sunday 3rd June 2012
Manchester: Monday 4th June 2012

The countdown to this year’s Dot To Dot is hotting up with less than a month to go until a litany of the globe’s biggest buzz bands hits Bristol, Nottingham and Manchester over this coming Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. Headlined by The Drums and Pulled Apart By Horses, and with appearances from Wavves, Willis Earl Beal, Dog Is Dead, Summer Camp, Lucy Rose, Pond and more, the tri-city event is set to reveal even more must-see acts for 2012, and you can catch them all for the mind-blowing ticket price of just £20!

 Says Dot To Dot Organiser Anton Lockwood: “There’s under a month to go until Dot To Dot 2012 and the latest acts joining us showcase what a fantastically exciting line-up of new music we have on offer. From high octane rock to soulful singer songwriters these are the acts that people will be talking about all summer long and with tickets currently £20 it's great value for money'.”

Currently enjoying widespread critical acclaim for his second, Steve Albini produced, long player ‘Attack on Memory’, Dylan Baldi AKA Cloud Nothings who first came to the music world’s attention with his pithy lo-fi power-pop in 2009 are the first of the latest wave of bands to be announced for Dot To Dot. Honing his craft on the road over the past two years with a crack live band, Cloud Nothings’ sound has quickly matured into compelling gritty indie-rock territory, giving the band a real shot at stadium-filling glory, so make sure you catch them first in intimate surrounds at Dot To Dot. 

One of the most exciting bands to have emerged from New York in the past year, Dot To Dot are delighted to announce thatFriends will be playing the Nottingham leg of this year’s event. Named after Brian Wilson’s favourite Beach Boys album, Friends have left a trail of slack-jawed hipsters in the wake of their effortlessly cool percussive heavy take on post-disco funk-pop. Taking Liquid Liquid and ESG’s blueprint and bringing it bang up to date, they’re a top drawer live act that knows how to rock a party.

Also adding some serious weight to proceedings are The Internet Syd Tha Kyd and Matt Martians from Odd Future playing their only shows outside of London. The first act out of the traps on OFWGKTA’s Odd Future Records, with their debut long player Purple Naked Ladies, The Internet’s hip-hop soul has garnered them high praise across the board.  Sibling duo 2:54 will also be bring their love of a bit of lo-fi action to Dot To Dot. Embodying the new face of Riot Grrrrl, 2:54’s blend of ethereal vocals and abrasive guitars has made them a stand-out live act who are sure to be one of Dot To Dot’s biggest draws. Mixing pure emotion and rock n roll dynamics, A Plastic Rose will be demonstrating exactly why their incisive riffs have been winning over audiences across the UK and Ireland. With their debut album due for release in September this year, the band are releasing a series of singles and hitting the festival circuit in the run up, beginning with their performance at Dot To Dot.

Channelling the spirit of Britrock, Stoke’s All The Young, who are currently making a name for themselves reinvigorating guitar-powered rock n roll for a new generation will also be joining the bill. A direct reaction to the identikit pop that currently rules the airwaves, All The Young’s swaggering live show is one not to miss.  Canadian tip for the top Doldrums another of the latest bands to join the bill, are set to be journeying the triumvirate of Dot To Dot cities. Fusing art-rock and electronica, Doldrums AKA Aldrick Woodhead is one of the most forward thinking producers around.

Steeped in the defining sounds of the last 60 years of pop, music obsessives Two Wounded Birds who have steadily built a reputation as one of the best live bands on the circuit will also be hitting Dot To Dot’s triumvirate of cities. Championed by The Drums’ Jon Pierce, the band has also gained high praise from the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and Blondie’s Debbie Harry for their exhilarating performances and timeless pop. Psychedelic electro folk five-piece Here We Go Magic will also be appearing at Bristol on June 2nd and Nottingham on June 3rd.  Creating their songs from melodies that can turn from gorgeous to challenging to a little scary and back again, they’re truly mesmerising and worth seeking out. 

Adding even more thrills to the burgeoning bill, there will also be appearances from double-headed mackem drum behemoth Hyde & Beast, featuring the Futureheads’ Dave Hyde and Golden Virgins’ Neil Bassett, luscious Leeds based vocal harmonisers The Dunwells, alternative rocker Eugene Francis Jr (Bristol / Manchester) Brooklyn’s hardcore psych-rockersThe Men who will only be playing the Manchester leg on June 4th, soaring guitar-smiths Last Dinosaurs, disaffected pomp from O Children, a DJ set from Metronomy’s Olugbenga, 19 year-old wunderkind Lewis Watson who has clocked up more than two million YouTube views for his emotionally charged song writing, Josh Kumra whose gutsy and heartfelt live show is getting those in the know hot under the collar, uber-producer and rising start Kwes, singer songwriter Mary Epworth, Bristol mobs The Other Tribe and Seasfire playing their home town date and electro trio Sunless 97 in Nottingham and Manchester. 

As well as championing the most vital new music around, Dot To Dot organisers will is also be nurturing wider creative talents in 2012 with a competition to get your hands on a coveted photo pass! Dot To Dot have a photo pass, which gives you access to Dot To Dot venue photo pits, for each city up for grabs, and all you have to do to enter is post the best live shot you’ve ever taken to twitter with the hashtag #D2DFestPhoto or tag Dot To Dot Festival in your photo on Facebook. Three winners (one for each city) will receive a photo pass and the chance to get up close and personal with some of the most exciting acts around. This is a rare opportunity or you to get your foot in the door of the world of live photography, don’t miss it!

Athlete set for this years Lakefest

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Lee Martin, one of the organisers of the two day festival said, “We are delighted to have signed Athlete to play the headline slot, vacated by The Levellers following an injury to their fiddle player. With only 3 weeks to go until the event we knew it was going to be tough and had spoken to a number of potential replacement acts. Athlete were the stand-out option and we are grateful to them for agreeing to play. They have a fantastic reputation for their live performances and have been one of the biggest bands recent times – we feel honoured that they are headlining our festival.”

Tickets for what promises to be a hugely successful weekend are available fromwww.lakefest.co.uk/tickets – they’re selling fast so immediate purchase is recommended.

Van Morrison & Ray Davies to headline Folklore 2012

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Enjoying more sunshine than any other part of Britain, and situated just 15 miles from the coast of France, Jersey is famed for its stunning beaches, lush countryside and uniquely Anglo-Gallic culture – and of course for the iconic 80s TV detective, Bergerac.

With a capacity of just 5,000 daily, Folklore’s cosy site ensures that this will be an intimate affair, and with Jersey boasting one of the warmest local music crowds you could hope to meet, it’s a festival at which many a friendship will be forged! Not to mention the fact that, just a stone’s throw from the beach, Folklore has about as perfect a festival setting as you’ll find.

Van Morrison* The Main Stage will be headlined on the Saturday night by Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer and multiple Grammy-winning VAN MORRISON whose biggest hit ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ remains one of the best-loved pop songs of all time. Sunday night’s headliner is the one and only RAY DAVIES, the former Kinks frontman and founder, and the man behind such classics as ‘Lola’, ‘You Really Got Me’ and ‘Waterloo Sunset.’

* Also performing on the Main Stage over the weekend are French outfit NOUVELLE VAGUE whose laid–back bossa nova reworks of new wave and post-punk standards such as ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ have made them live favourites on the European festival scene. Legendary reggae pioneer LEE ‘SCRATCH’ PERRY is a welcome addition to the Main Stage; at 76 years young, Perry is still going strong and remains one of music’s most colourful characters and creatively intrepid artists.

* Grammy-nominated British singer-songwriter JOAN ARMATRADING, who paved the way for the likes of Adele and Amy Winehouse as the first British female solo artist to achieve international success, brings her blues and folk-driven pop to Folklore, and we are delighted to be able to present one of the most enigmatic artists of the late 60s and early 70s, RODRIGUEZ, at this year’s inaugural Folklore Festival. Comparable to the likes of Arthur Lee’s Love and The Byrds, Detroit’s Sixto Diaz Rodriguez’s two albums were works of shimmering psychedelic beauty before he disappeared from the music world only to re-emerge 30 years later as a cult hero.

* A second stage will feature an array of live music, film, poetry, comedy and theatre over the weekend, with the iconic punk poet JOHN COOPER CLARKE confirmed to appear on both days. With all this as well as an Arts & Crafts market, an Organic Food Village, a Holistic Village and a Kids Creative Playground, it’s an event to bring the whole family to.

Co-organiser Warren Holt:
“There are just under 60 days to go until the very first Folklore Festival, and I can’t wait. It’ll be a pure playground, with a really great, diverse-looking musical bill so far – and more artists to be added – and lots more to see and do at the festival whether you’re a fan of poetry, film, comedy or fine food! Having produced Jersey Live Festival for the best part of a decade, we know how much fun a Jersey festival crowd are when they get together, and I’m sure they’ll make Folklore Festival extra special for all of the artists and visitors.”

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 27th April from www.folklorejersey.org.uk. Standard Weekend tickets are £105 and day tickets are £62.50. Hospitality tickets are from £125

Bearded Theory Festival now SOLD OUT

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A record 5,000 tickets have been sold, with just under a fortnight left before the festival takes place.

Headlining the festival are Adam Ant & the Good, the Mad and the Lovely Posse, The Damned and Dreadzone alongside over 100 other live acts including Show of Hands, Terrorvision, and The Selecter. Special guests Wheatus have announced they will wear false beards throughout their performance, and will also co-host the festival’s annual world record attempt for the number of people wearing false beards. 

Steve Blount from Bearded Theory Festival says, “We are delighted to announce that once again Bearded Theory Festival has sold out. 2012 is turning out to be quite a tough year for festivals across the country so we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has bought tickets for Bearded Theory, making it a sell out for the fifth year running. We look forward to welcoming you all on the 18th May for our biggest and best year ever!”

Taking place between 18th and 20th May 2012, Bearded Theory has firmly entrenched itself as the first ‘proper’ music festival of the season. Currently the holder of the AIM Indepndent Music Award for Best Festival, 2012 is Bearded Theory’s fifth birthday and is a celebration of the music and musicians who either inspired the festival’s inception, or who have become fan favourites over the years. 

On Saturday night, Captain Sensible’s Gothic Punk legends The Damned are top of the bill. Incredibly, the greatest number of complaints Bearded Theory’s organisers received last year on any topic, was for not booking Dreadzone for the first time the festival’s history. To make amends, this year they return to close the festival on Sunday night. 

Other major acts also confirmed include The Selecter, Show of Hands, The Popes, Terrorvision, Back To The Planet, Dr & The Medics, Credit To The Nation and of course, perennial Bearded Theory favourites, 3 Daft Monkeys. 
The fabulous Wheatus will be performing the now-legendary Sunday lunchtime slot, and word is they will wear custom made false beards for their entire performance!

Bearded Theory has also confirmed details of a number of exciting changes for 2012. These include a creation of two entirely new areas;Tornado Town (a festival within a festival), and The Water’s Edge. Underlining their commitment to supporting local businesses, the festival have appointed Thornbridge Brewery in Bakwell, (located just 20 miles from the festival), to run their on-site bars. 

Steve Blount from Bearded Theory Festival says, “We are delighted to have be named UK’s Best Independent Festival at the prestigious AIM Music Awards in recognition of last year’s fabulous event. Everyone involved in Bearded Theory is already working hard to try and deliver an even better one for next year. With two totally revamped areas and a whole range of new activities planned, 2012 is shaping up to be a vintage year for Bearded Theory Festival.

City of London Festival details

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The Festival's theme, City of London – Trading Places with the World will be brought to life with performances from internationally acclaimed stars in the City’s most iconic and historical spaces. Among the events planned are a wealth of world première performances of new music and dance including works by composer Tansy Davies for the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, a landmark piece performed by English National Ballet in St Paul’s Cathedral, as well as 300 free piano lessons on the City streets and free family events across the Square Mile and beyond.  [Full listings below].

Standout events in the Golden Jubilee programme include:

  • The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Colin Davis, performing Berlioz’s colossal work Grande Messe des Morts in St Paul’s Cathedral. (25 & 26 June). 
  • Internationally-acclaimed guitarist John Williams, who will commemorate the Festival’s jubilee year by giving a recital echoing the performance he gave at the first City of London Festival in 1962. (10 July).
  • Street-level performances and installations, including 50 Golden Street Pianos, which will be placed in the Square Mile and other locations around the capital. A new dance duet by acclaimed choreographer Rafael Bonachela danced by the Sydney Dance Company (27 – 29 June) will be created especially for the 50 pianos.  To commemorate the opening of the Festival, 300 Londoners will be able to turn up and take advantage of free piano lessons at the Street Pianos. (24 June). 
  • Live music sculptures at Tower Bridge and Monument, created specifically for the two icons by composer Samuel Bordoli. At Tower Bridge, guests can watch musicians play along the length of the high-level walkways, 42 metres above the Thames. At Monument, the music will travel up its 311 steps, inviting the audience to experience an aural and actual sense of ascension as they climb the stairs to the very top. (8 July).
  • The Brodsky Quartet performing a unique programme with a quirky twist: ‘The Wheel of Four Tunes’, with four works selected at random by the spin of a wheel onstage, from 40 choices, celebrating 40 years of the Brodsky Quartet. (2 July).
  • The Festival’s commitment to supporting work for disabled and non-disabled performers continues.  New work by composer Nigel Osborne will receive its world première by tetraplegic former trumpeter, Clarence Adoo, on his specially-designed new Headspace instrument which has enabled him to perform once again with fellow professionals. Christian Lindberg’s award-winning Dawn at Galamanta, created and performed by Swedish artists of all physicalities, receives its UK première at the Guildhall (both 6 July).

Each event and performance acts as a new installment in the story of the City taking the audience on an international journey that connects back to London’s heart.

Sustainability remains a core part of the Festival's programme, with flowers in the spotlight for 2012. The Festival will be promoting and nurturing wildflowers across the Square Mile, providing vital support for the City's population of pollinators. The public will be invited to feast on City honey taken from the Festival’s roof-top beehives, as well as celebrate urban flowers, at the Festival’s closing event in Paternoster Square (27 July). 

Sting, Lulu, Olly Murs and more for Henley Festival 2012

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  • Sting will open the Festival on 4 July
  • Singing sensation Katherine Jenkins
  • Top 10 recording artist, acclaimed Opera singer and recently the star of Les Miserables Alfie Boe with guest musical funnyman Tim Minchin
  • Sixties-songstress, Lulu and The London Community Gospel Choir
  • X-Factor finalist Olly Murs will close the Festival on 8 July.

The Henley Festival is the UK’s most glamorous summer party; five magical nights on the banks of the River Thames in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. Tickets go on sale to the public from 15 March or you can beat the wait and become a Friend of the Henley Festival to get your tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at www.henley-festival.co.uk, or from the Festival box office: 01491 843404
Tickets priced from £35 per day. All Festival profits go to local charities [details below].

This year the Festival is celebrating 30 years at the heart of the English summer season and has announced a line up like never before.

Composer, singer, author, actor, activist – Sting was born in Newcastle, England before moving to London in 1977 to form The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. The band released five albums, earned six Grammy awards, and in 2003 was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since 1985, Sting has released 13 solo albums. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of his solo career, 25 Years, the definitive box set collection, was recently released. The Best Of 25 Years is also available as a double disc. Sting has sold nearly 100 million albums from his combined work with the Police and as a solo artist and has earned an additional 10 Grammy awards, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and three Oscar nominations. This summer, Sting will perform many of his most celebrated hits at the Henley Festival on July 4, 2012.

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Aside from the headline acts, black tie revellers will enjoy candlelit dining at award winning chefs Albert and Michel Roux Jr’s riverside restaurant or have a more relaxed bite at one of the Festival’s six other restaurants. Along the riverbank world-class acts [full details below] from the worlds of jazz, opera, pop, theatre, comedy, cabaret and literature entertain while pop-up art boutiques and sculpture lawns bring major galleries and artists to the Festival – a unique ‘collectors’ concierge’ provides advice and introductions to those looking to buy.

The headline acts are closed each night by a dazzling firework display before partygoers dance into the night at the Festival’s resident nightclub.

Henley-on-Thames is 60 minutes from London by train, (or 10 minutes by helicopter to the Festival’s helipad). Many guests choose to make a weekend of it and stay in one of the many five star hotels in Henley or nearby [more details below].

Henley Festival 2012 acts:

Cabaret and performance:
Among the stand-up comedy acts on offer are Have I got News for you! regular Dr Phil Hammond,Fascinating Aïda star Sarah-Louise Young, and charismatic Canadian comedic Craig Campbell.

The Festival’s signature cabaret acts, The Roving Company of Eccentrica, will amuse, entertain, surprise and shock guests with their unique brand of street performances, spread throughout the Festival’s grounds.

World-class dining:
Revellers enjoy candlelit summer nights dining at Albert and Michelin Starred Michel Roux Jr’sFestival riverside Roux restaurant, try the Terrace Restaurant or Café du Soir, (no booking required) – or have a more relaxed bite to eat at one of the Festival’s street-food concessions.

FEAST! Contemporary arts programme
Pop up art boutiques and sculpture lawns bring major galleries and artists to the Festival and a ‘collectors concierge’ provides advice and introductions to those looking to buy. The Festival’s Visual Arts Programme includes FEAST! – an exceptional range of selling exhibitions – including the Festival’s famous Sculpture gardens – that showcases major international established artists and emerging talent.

2012 highlights include:

  • The serious surrealism of Alexander Vorobyev
  • Abstract contemporary art by Jeffrey Kroll and Nicolas Ruston
  • The Festival’s annual sculpture garden featuring the work of British sculptor Roland Piche and Auguste Rodin’s iconic masterpiece The Thinker.
  • “Carbon Art” specialist Alastair Gibson
  • Aboriginal Art from Australia
  • Body painted optical illusions created live by Kiwi artist Emma Hack

All profits to charity
The Henley Festival is a not for profit organisation. All profits raised go to local and national charities across the Thames Valley. This includes creating and funding the Henley Festival Orchestra which provides over 80 young people with a musical instrument, tuition and performance opportunities throughout the year. The Henley Festival Orchestra also enjoys the opportunity to work with outstanding international performers including Nigel Kennedy and Jon Lord. 
Find out more here: http://bit.ly/Avqze2

Stewart Collins, Henley Festival Artistic Director said: “To celebrate the Festival’s landmark birthday we’ve really pulled out all the stops. This year’s programme promises to be one of our most sensational to date – after all, 30 years is an achievement for any event and we wanted to see our guests celebrate in style. The Henley Festival is renowned for leaving our guests with magical memories and this will be an unmissable year for regulars and newcomers alike.’

The Henley Festival is sponsored by Invesco Perpetual, Westcoast, Lavazza Coffee, Goodhead and Courtiers, the Festival showcases some of the best loved artists and performers from the classical, jazz and contemporary music world, as well as talent drawn from the global cultural scene, from sculpture and street theatre acts to poetry and art.