At the Heavenly Weekender at The Trades in Hebden Bridge back in January, Amber Arcades’ half-hour early evening set was the most engaging of the three days (young Halifax band The Orielles were the other stand-out act). The focal presence on stage is Amber Arcades’ mastermind, the very cool Annelotte De Graaf, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter. Amber Arcades…
Read More
Festival season is approaching fast – only five weeks till some of us will be sleeping, or at least trying to, in our tents. Here are a few more events to whet your appetite, and some festival news too. Some festivals are getting low on tickets, so don’t ponder for too long. And if you’re a foodie,…
Read More
You know you’re at a British Sea Power gig when there’s some slightly weird stuff at the merch stall and the stage is full of foliage. The band’s new March release Let The Dancers Inherit the Party has had positive reaction from fans – it’s a triumphant, upbeat and playful collection, designed to give us hope in these dark times,…
Read More
British Sea Power continue their tour of the UK with latest album Let the Dancers Inherit the Party at The Trades Hebden Bridge. Date: 28th July. They are play at Green Man Festival in August. If you can’t get away once school has started in September, On Blackheath in south London might do the trick over…
Read More
Eighties band Blue Zoo got back together in 2010 with ‘unfinished business’ as far as their old material was concerned. Now the band are shaking off the past and moving forward with new material set for imminent release plus live dates on the calendar. The band still comprises front man Andy O, with drummer Mickey Sparrow and bass player Mike Ansell. In 2013…
Read More
Julia Jacklin stands on stage at The Louisiana in Bristol as motionless as a statue, closes her eyes and manages to hush the entire room. All eyes are upon her as she starts to sing. There is a mesmerising quality to her voice, something about the rich, dreamy swoopiness which suits the Australian’s alt– country indie folk material. Then there’s her ability to…
Read More
Sea Change Festival burst onto the scene last year and now the Totnes event, taking place around the town itself, has just revealed its lineup for this summer. It’s an event that finds its way into the most intriguing locations in Totnes, including a restored cinema,sparkling ballroom, 15th century church and walled garden, among many others.…
Read More
Rejoice – festival season is just around the corner. So what’s in store for 2017? There’s definitely a trend towards offering debates, talks and workshops. And kids are well catered for with high quality and original learning activities, take Bluedot’s Planetarium and Bearded Theory’s OFSTED approved school. But hey, let’s not get too serious about it all. Festivals primarily still…
Read More
It doesn’t surprise me that Steve Mason forged a lasting connection with Joe Duddell at Festival No 6. Each year, a selected number of main-stage artists collaborate with Duddell and his ensemble, performing in the tiny Portmeirion Town Hall (queues for these are legendary, as only around 100 get access to the space). From what I’ve heard there isn’t much…
Read More
UPDATE: North: fashioning identity takes place at Somerset House 8th November to 4th February. The exhibition focuses on work from the North show in Liverpool plus additional exhibits North: Identity, Photography, Fashion at Liverpool’s Open Eye Gallery, 6th Jan to 19th March 2017, is the first exhibition to be held as part of their 40th anniversary year.…
Read More