The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 30th September 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

The Next Music Network meeting will be in September 2010

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 30th September 2010

The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger from 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people. These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 24th June 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 24th June 2010

The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger from 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people. These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

THURSDAY 24 JUNE 18:00 BAFTA AND CREATIVE NETWORKS PRESENT - DOCUMENTARY FOCUS

Birmingham City University, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, West Midlands B4 7XG

4pm The Music Network Meeting

6pm Registration and refreshments

7pm Event starts

An evening with BAFTA-winning director Jessie Versluys and assistant producer Kate Collier on the making of Katie: My Beautiful Face.

Katie was young and beautiful. A model and budding TV presenter, the 24-year-old had a glowing future ahead of her. But in 2008 a vicious acid attack destroyed her face, and with it her career and her life as she knew it.

Join BAFTA and Creative Networks to hear how director Jessie and assistant producer Kate worked with Katie to bring her incredibly moving story to the screen. From commissioning and production through to the editing process, Jessie will elucidate the struggles both she and Katie faced in the making of this documentary and explain how they captured Katie’s truly amazing spirit and humour as she began to rebuild her life with her new appearance. Breakthrough talent BAFTA winner Jessie will also offer indispensible advice to budding filmmakers on how to approach sensitive subjects for the screen.

The event will be interspersed with clips from the Channel Four Cutting Edge production Katie: My Beautiful Face, courtesy of Mentorn Media.

Jessie Versluys is a freelance Producer/ Director. Jessie has a background in both factual entertainment and documentary, directing on a range of programmes from The Apprentice and Secret Millionaire to the critically acclaimed The Hospital (A and E) which revealed the plight of the busy staff on a typical NHS emergency wing. Jessie worked her way up the ladder until she got a break directing on a Channel 4 first-time directors’ scheme run through Ricochet. After making her first 30 minute documentary about a vulnerable prolific young offender she went on to make her first 60 minute documentary, Into The Big Wide World - a touching and well received film about care leavers and the extraordinary difficulties they face. She is technically trained and has self-shot many of her programmes.

To join us for this FREE event, please email creative.networks@bcu.ac.uk or call Dave Taylor on 0121 331 5400.
Alternatively, register online at www.creativenetworksonline.com

BAFTA’s learning and events programme brings you closer to the film, television and video games industries. Through nationwide events, which are open to all, and exclusive online content, BAFTA shares the knowledge, talent and advice of industry experts. Learn from the best at www.bafta.org. Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/bafta

Birmingham and Beyond - Old Library @ Custard Factory Monday 28th June 6.00pm – 10.00pm

Birmingham and Beyond in the Old Library @ the Custard Factory
Monday 28th June 6.00pm – 10.00pm

The Musicians’ Union (MU) are presenting an event in the Old Library at the Custard Factory on Monday 28th June aimed at helping Birmingham’s musicians to get themselves onto the Midlands music scene and beyond.   The evening will be a mixture of networking and panel discussions covering topics such as taking care of business, the local music scene and beyond.

The line up is set to include Stu Coleman, creator and editor of Scene Not Heard, Maria Rodriguez, lead singer and guitarist from Birmingham band Gundogs and Ben Eshmade the radio producer and founder of the Arctic Circle.

The doors open from 6 and entry is by registration only.  To get on the entry list or for more details please contact Lyndsey on 0121 622 3870 or lyndsey.hardiman@themu.org

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 27th May 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 27th May 2010 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people.These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

Midlands Calling?…the new opps and apps for audio broadcast
Speaker – Robin Valk           www.radiotogo.co.uk

Robin Valk is a broadcast and software consultant whose career started in the 60s at the very first Student radio station in the UK. In the 70s he worked in US Rock Radio before becoming the first DJ hired at BRMB, and in the 90s at BBC Radio 2 at Pebble Mill.

When not consulting in the UK and Europe, teaching, podcasting or blogging, Robin works on radio and music projects. He is currently working on a documentary project about the music and musicians of Handsworth, Birmingham, as well as leading a pilot project for the British Library. He is one of the most experienced Selector music programming software operators in Europe and has a ten year association with RCS New York as help author for their flagship products.

A Panel Discussion will follow Robin’s keynote presentation. We’ll be looking at the status of Radio today, where the talent that’s needed is to be found and how the digital age affects production yet offers new opportunities. We’ll examine the expanded horizons for audio broadcast platforms and how to capitalise on the perfect synergy of local music with local radio.

To join us for this FREE event, please call Dave Taylor on 0121 331 5400. Alternatively, register online at www.creativenetworksonline.com

Artsfest request Applications from Performing and Digital Artists - Closing date Friday May 28th 2010

ArtsFest, Birmingham will run from 10th -12th September 2010

We are very pleased to announce that applications for ArtsFest 2010 for performing and digital artists are now open. Applications for visual artists will open next week, week beginning 10th May and close 28th May 2010.

To apply please log onto the website: www.artsfest.org.uk

Mid way down the homepage there is a link to the performing and digital arts applications forms.  Please click on the link for the form you wish to complete.

You will then be directed to guidelines to help you complete your application, and by entering your email address where requested, you will then be directed to your application form.

Once you have entered your email address, you will receive an email containing a unique link to your application form. Using the save buttons at the bottom of each page in the application, you can save your application part way through completion of it.  Then by clicking on the link in the email, you can return to your application at another time. This means that you do not have to complete your application in one sitting, but can complete it in several sittings if you wish, provided you do so by the closing date of 6pm, Friday 28th May.

If you are having difficulty completing your application, please remember to look at the information, hints and tips given when you click on the blue

Information symbols that appear throughout the application form.  If you have a query not answered by this information then please contact us on 0121 464 5678 or by emailing artsfest at birmingham.gov.uk.

ArtsFest receives large numbers of applications from artists each year and to assist the efficiency of our administration processes we ask that wherever possible you complete your application on-line.  If for any reason however you are unable to do this and would like to request an email, hard copy, or large print version of the application form then please do so by telephone or email at the details above.

We look forward to receiving applications from all involved with The Music Network

ArtsFest
Birmingham City Council
Events Section
C/O Manor House
40 Moat Lane
Digbeth
Birmingham
B5 5BD
0121 464 5678
artsfest at birmingham.gov.uk
www.artsfest.org.uk
ArtsFest 10th -12th September 2010

M.A.C Arts Centre Reopens it’s doors Saturday May 1st 2010

MAC, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH

At 10 o’clock on Saturday May 1st, MAC finally reopens its doors after a two-year, £15m refurbishment giving everyone the chance to join in the fun and get to know the new MAC. With three days of activities, workshops events and performances, there will be something for everyone.

Saturday will see the first members of the public entering the new purpose-built gallery to see the opening exhibition plug in. Examining Birmingham’s changing role as a global city encountering change, exhibits include pictures and artefacts from Birmingham’s manufacturing heritage, including the sign from the now demolished HP Sauce factory in Aston, a Morris Minor and photos from Stuart Whipps’s series Ming Jue documenting Rover production moving from Longbridge to Nanjing.

Members of the public have also contributed to the show, with a newly commissioned sound piece from Peter Cusack examining people’s favourite sounds of Birmingham, and the Birmingham word cloud – a visual representation of words people associate with Birmingham submitted through social media site Twitter.

In the evening the refitted theatre is hosting its first ever standing gig with Misty’s Big Adventure, Vijay Kishore and Joe Broughton and Kevin Dempsey. Retractable seating means that the theatre is

Out on the relandscaped Terrace on Sunday, critically acclaimed dance troupe Motionhouse will be conducting open rehearsals for their spectacular new piece Cascade, commissioned by mac. One of mac’s associate artists, Motionhouse will be showing off their extraordinary dance and aerial skills as they adventure into a world of water, giving visitors the chance to get a sneak preview of the show developing and put questions to the dancers and choreographer Kevin Finnan.

Monday sees the grand finale of The City Sings, an anthem for mac composed by Helen Ottaway of Artmusic, which will ring out across the city throughout the day with trumpeters, a bus load of singing school children, the Bournville Carillon and many more all joining in. At 4pm the event will culminate in a mass performance as the various groups gather from across the park to celebrate mac’s reopening.

Throughout the weekend there will also be a host of free taster sessions covering the whole range of the Learning & Participation programme, trailers and short films in the refurbished cinema and performances and workshops hosted by South Asian arts organisation Sampad.

Dorothy Wilson, Chief Executive at mac said: “Over ten years in the making, the Building Project has created a dynamic and exciting arts centre that offers vastly improved spaces for audiences and artists alike, I can’t wait to show people around this May Bank Holiday Weekend.”

Highlights of the weekend include:

Amplifying the Map - Guided Tours
Enjoy a range of distinct trails; follow a fantastic audio trail adventure or stroll from bridge to bridge on a journey made for those who care for Cannon Hill Park.

Misty’s Big Adventure, Vijay Kishore, Joe Broughton & Kevin Dempsey
Sat 1 May, 8pm £14
Misty’s Big Adventure, bring their hip hop beats, screwy jazz, pop, scratching and electric toys. They share the event with rising start Vijay Kishore alongside virtuosi of guitar and fiddle, Kevin Dempsey and Joe Broughton.

Creating Cascade Open Rehearsals
Sunday 2 May
Take a sneak preview of Motionhouse’s next outdoor spectacle that promises to be a display of extraordinary dance and aerial skills. Watch how the show develops and put your questions to the choreographer Kevin Finnan.

plug in
Saturday 1 May – Monday 30 August
Plug in, guest curated by artist Simon Poulter, celebrates the opening of mac’s enviable new gallery space by exploring the changing role of our home city.

The Sampad Story
Saturday 1 May – Monday 30 August
A retrospective exhibition that takes you on a journey of South Asian arts in the region since 1990, told through the eyes of the artists, audiences and communities from the past twenty years.

The City Sings, a new work written by Helen Ottaway to celebrate the re-opening of mac
Monday 3 May
Join in as musicians and singers from all over Birmingham appear together to perform in the extraordinary event.

In addition, as part of the opening weekend you will be able to find out more about our Learning and Participation programme. With a wide range of free workshops, artists workshops and artist demonstrations you can take a sneaky peek and sample what’s to come!

What’s more, throughout the weekend there will be an opportunity to re-introduce yourself to our Cinema, see some trailers and shorts and catch up on some of the films that have been released while the mac has been closed. Highlights include A Single Man, It’s Complicated and I am Love.

MAC

Cannon Hill Park
Birmingham B12 9QH

www.macarts.co.uk

Registered Company no 718349
Registered Charity no 528979
VAT no 818 2851 16

Supporting Birmingham’s Bid to become UK City of Culture 2013

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 29th April 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 29th April 2010 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people.These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

FUZZBOX - Eighties pop punk band ‘We’ve Got A Fuzzbox & We’re Gonna Use It’ are making a return in 2010

You may want to know that it’s Official – FUZZBOX are back. The Eighties pop punk band ‘We’ve Got A Fuzzbox and We’re Gonna Use It’ are making a welcome return in 2010 with the announcement of a UK Tour.

The reunion will see the band take to the stage with their infamous fuzzbox sound, which dominated the charts in the 80s. Hits like ‘Pink Sunshine’, ‘International Rescue’, ‘XX Sex’ and ‘Rules and Regulations’ will feature in what is to be the band’s first European Tour in 20 years.

May 2010 Dates
13    Southampton        Joiners Arms
14    Bristol             Fleece n’ Firkin
15    Manchester         Roadhouse
16    Glasgow         King Tuts
17    York             The Duchess
18     Norwich         Norwich Arts Centre
19     Nottingham         The Social
20     Oxford         Oxford Academy
22     Birmingham         Birmingham Academy
23     Colchester         Colchester Arts Centre
24     Brighton         Audio
25     London         Islington Academy

Fuzzbox will be releasing a new single on Gotham Records, as well as working on a new album. For all enquiries, please contact Barry Tomes: barry at barrytomes.com  or +44 (0)7966 174 319

Yes! They’re back! ?And the fabulous “We’ve got a …FUZZBOX… and we’re gonna use it!!” have specially selected all of YOU to attend their secret exclusive tour launch-party. ?Expect an evening of FUZZTASTIC entertainment…?Prepare yourselves for a taste of tour – See an exclusive live performance. ?Be entertained with much FUZZ and NONSENSE including a splendifierous 80’s disco with DJ Declan.? Be rewarded with a prize for the best 80’s fancy dress.

Tuesday 4th May Starts 7.30pm? DON’T BE LATE!

The Asylum?38-43 Hampton Street, Hockley, Birmingham B19 3LS

All enquiries to Barry at BTMG 07966174319? barry at gotham-records.com

www.fuzzboxfans.com
www.youtube.com/fuzzboxfans

Mouth of God - Dj Sir Real - Tuesday 27th April, starting at 10pm GMT Music World radio

This news just in from DJ Sir Real himself: Howdy music lovers, five shows in now of the Mouth of God’s journey into the unknown, and going strong…presented by DJ Sir Real…with, as you might expect, a fine selection of wrongness, weirdness, beauty, cosmic anthems, fucked up disco, mutant techno, funny talk and hoo-haa…

I would be very chuffed indeed if some of you would like to join me for the journey…and please feel free to circulate far and wide to spread the wrongness

Go to http://www.musicworldradio.com to listen…

You might also want to have a look at Club Impulse in Second Life for some chat and flying and stupid dancing and ill-advised clothes (and possibly popes & daleks & other assorted oddness)…I will be presenting the show simultaneously from there…you can check that out here - http://secondlife.com/?v=1.1 - or follow the link from the MWR homepage.
So that’s tonight, Tuesday 27th April, starting at 10pm GMT…
See ya in the ether Neil x

The Flyover Show Saturday 29th May 2010, Underneath Hockley Flyover, Birmingham

Flyover Show III

Soweto Kinch’s music & arts festival returns to Birmingham’s Hockley flyover
May 29th 2010 / Hockley Flyover (underneath), Birmingham / 12noon – 9pm / Free admission

Soweto Kinch Productions is proud to announce the return of Birmingham’s Flyover Show on May 29th 2010.

Now in its third year, this innovative event will once again transform the underbelly of North Birmingham’s Hockley flyover into a vibrant community inspired festival of music and arts.

Running from 12noon to 9pm on May 29th, the Flyover Show is a unique event of cultural expression, celebrating generations of black British music and art.

Daytime performances will come from; Hanifa, CRC, Kashmir, Rochelle Robertson, Leeanne Stoddart and Notebenders.

Whilst evening on the main stage presents; Speech Debelle (Mercury Music Award 2009), Soweto Kinch (MOBO Best Jazz Act 2003 & 2007), Zena Edwards, Eska, Tan, Roxanne and Bridgette Amafoh.

The Flyover Show III combines the best of international black music with established and homegrown UK talent, providing an important platform for burgeoning artists.

The show will also feature vignettes, poetry, dance and graffiti from new and emerging voices that aim both to entertain and challenge perceptions.

A family friendly festival, The Flyover Show III continues the organiser’s philosophy to make high-art readily accessible to inner city communities.

The Flyover Show III will explore the specific theme of black female identity.

The Flyover Show III will bring together generations of black female artists who have made significant cultural contributions, and whose work has helped to reshape black identity.

Discussing the artists booked to perform at the Flyover Show III, founder and organiser Soweto Kinch explains, “they’ve validated a way of being, beyond the glut of R+B/Soul Divas, booty shaking backing dancers or any other stereotype which the commercial mainstream often finds more palatable.”

The Flyover Show III is also responding to the growing number of young black women becoming swept up in destructive gang culture.

The recent Female Voices in Violence report from ROTA (Race On The Agenda), one of the UK’s leading social policy think tanks, consolidated concerns about young women involved in violence, pacing it firmly on the government’s continuing agenda.

The Flyover Show III will showcase inspiring black female artists, encouraging young black women to express themselves with creativity and pride.

For more information and press enquires please contact Ed King - edkingfreelance at yahoo.co.uk

The Flyover Show was created and founded by Soweto Kinch.

Soweto Kinch is an award winning musician and creative. For more information visit www.soweto-kinch.com

The first Flyover Show was held underneath Hockley Flyover in North Birmingham in May 2008. The second event was held in the same location in June the following year.

The Flyover show III receives funding from Birmingham City Council and Arts Council England.

The Flyover Show is a flagship project of Soweto Kinch’s recently formed charity Uprizing,

Speech Debelle won the 2009 Mercury Music Award for her debut album ‘Speech Therapy’.

Speech Debelle is the first female artist to win the Mercury Music Award in seven years, the last being Miss Dynamite in 2002.

For more information on Speech Debelle visit www.speechdebelle.com

Flyover Show III – Volunteers wanted
Soweto Kinch’s music & arts festival on the hunt for enthusiastic helpers – limited places available
May 29th 2010 / Hockley Flyover (underneath), Birmingham / 12noon – 9pm / Free admission

Soweto Kinch’s community inspired music & arts festival returns to Hockley Flyover on May 29th 2010.

Now in it’s third year, this unique urban event is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help out on the day. Anyone wanting to apply as a volunteer should email Clare Edwards at clareedwards at mac.com

Responsibilities will include stage management support, managing stalls/art activity, liaising with the general public and assisting the artists performing.

Previous experience is not necessary as full training will be provided. Applicants must be over 16 and passionate about being involved in Birmingham’s most innovative urban party.

Headlining the event is 2009 Mercury Music Award winner Speech Debelle, alongside Soweto Kinch (MOBO Best Jazz Act 2003 & 2007), Zena Edwards, Eska, Tan, Roxanne and Bridgette Amafoh.

Daytime performances will come from; Hanifa, CRC, Kashmir, Rochelle Robertson, Leeanne Stoddart and Notebenders.

Running from 12noon to 9pm on May 29th, the Flyover Show will once again transform the underbelly of North Birmingham’s Hockley flyover.

Combining the best of international black music with established and homegrown UK talent, the Flyover Show is a family friendly festival inspired by the organiser’s philosophy to make ?high-art? readily accessible to inner city communities.

The show will also feature vignettes, poetry, dance and graffiti from new and emerging voices that aim both to entertain and challenge perceptions.

For further information on the event visit www.soweto-kinch.com and click on The Flyover Show III link.

Limited places are available and those interested should apply ASAP.

COLOUR - Birmingham-based live music events featuring leftfield and independent artists.

COLOUR - Birmingham-based live music events featuring leftfield and independent artists.

//colourpresents.com // 07815865662

Colour Presents: Epic45, July Skies and Avrocar
Live Music Event
Thursday 29 April, 7.30pm
Tickets: £5
Location: The Victoria, John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BN
www.colourpresents.com

Birmingham-based independent promoter Colour announce the latest in our series of live shows at The Victoria, featuring three experimental electronica acts from the fiercely independent Make Mine Music label collective.

The evening will feature full-length sets from all three acts, DJ sets and live visuals selected by both Colour and the artists.
About the Artists

Epic45
Without doubt one of the most exciting bands in the Midlands, Epic45’s sound deals with the psychology of nostalgia and the impact our surroundings have on our outlook.

Their acclaimed 2007 album May Your Heart Be The Map was a vivid exploration of the British countryside, tinted by childhood memories and the metamorphosis of the seasons, influenced by dramatic post-rock structures and warm acoustic folk. Last year’s In All The Empty Houses explores the resonances of abandoned buildings; the ghosts of past lives and memories that inhabit them as they fall into dilapidation.

Their live show is something else entirely, carrying the nuances of their recordings but with an immediacy that is captivating.

“Tracing emotional reactions to shifting seasons, May Your Heart Be the Map did something new with old materials and gave the Black Country its very own Boards of Canada.” – Word Magazine, Best Albums of the Noughties
July Skies

July Skies is a West Midlands based recording project commenced by Antony Harding in 1997. Sonic resonances of a lost England, faded memories of youth and the grain of Super8 all colour Harding’s evocative soundscapes. The project explores the innocence of youth, where “everything seemed possible - there was a need to capture feelings and a growing interest in exploring towns, villages, ruins, abandoned places and the countryside through sound”.
“Instrumentals and songs [that] recall melancholy ’80s indiepop, shoegazing and the ’70s ambient experiments of Brian Eno.” - The Guardian

Avrocar
One of the most elusive acts in the Midlands, experimental three-piece Avrocar have been recording since the late ’90s, honing a sound shrouded by the ghosts of the future that never was. Spectral guitar, disembodied humanoid voices lost in the ether and creeping electronics that bring to mind Vangelis’ Blade Runner soundtrack, shimmering in the neon light of dystopia.

Avrocar have appeared in session for the late John Peel.

About Colour
For the past four years, Colour have presented leftfield and independent musicians from the Midlands and beyond in intimate settings. Currently calling The Victoria home, Colour have also collaborated with Flatpack Festival 2009, Ikon gallery, Birmingham and Light House media centre, Wolverhampton.
Artists that have previously played Colour include Willy Vlautin of Richmond Fontaine, The Declining Winter (Richard Adams of Hood), It Hugs Back, Charlie Parr and Shady Bard.
“stunning posters and eye-catching visuals back up consistently strong lineups” – Brum Notes

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 25th March 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 25th March 2010 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. The Meeting will be lead this month by Andy Derrick

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people.These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, work with musicians, represent musicians, have involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some quality entertainment…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

Andy Derrick is an independent freelance musician based in Birmingham, UK.  Andy used to work for the Musicians’ Union delivering front line services and advice to musicians of all genres, experience and backgrounds.

Andy’s main work is as a trombonist in many groups playing Jazz, big band, classical and other kinds of music.  He has also worked in studios as a session musician providing horn tracks for writers and composers.

Since 1992 Andy has written and arranged music and he currently has works published by Warwick Music and Andek Music.

Teaching jazz, trombone and music theory is also a passion that sees Andy working with pupils of all ages and standards across the Midlands.

SENSORIA: The UK’s festival of music & film 23 - 29 April 2010

SensoriaPro Industry Day / Thursday 29 April / Showroom Cinema, Sheffield

SensoriaPro is a gathering of composers, filmmakers, music publishers, music supervisors, record labels and festivals all under one roof to discuss the latest innovations in music and the moving image. The whole day is based on the theme of ‘new ways of working’.

Speakers include Samuel Diaz of CBS Television Studios; Barry Adamson, musician and composer; artist manager Scott Cohen and Michael Nuttley of New Media Age.

This is a unique opportunity to benefit from a stunning line up of speakers, direct access to international buyers and informal, friendly networking.

Discounts for Affiliate members (PRS, MU, AIM, BPI, PPL etc) and Yorkshire based artists/companies.

The lovely people at Amplified/Sugarbullets are on board as a Sensoria supporter for the first time. In celebration of our new found friendship we are offering a free t-shirt (value £20 -£30) for the first 75 delegates to sign up - so don’t delay - a good few have already been allocated…….
Full programe details at www.sensoria.org.uk

REGISTER NOW

SENSORIA
www.sensoria.org.uk
The UK’s festival of music & film
23 - 29 April 2010

Acoustic Anglo-Americana at the Boat Inn, Monday 15th March 2010 CV21 1HN

The spotlight is on the authentic sound of Americana on Monday (15th March) at The Boat Inn on Main Street, Newbold-on-Avon, near Rugby.

The fabulous all-star line-up of Three Dollar Tag are this month’s special guests for resident ‘Anglo-Americana’ trio BorderLine Crossing (Chele Willow, Pete Willow and Dave Cook) in what promises to be another great evening of music.

Three Dollar Tag consists of four well-known Warwickshire musicians: singer and guitarist Howard Lincoln, acoustic and electric guitarist Pete Jackson, dobro and banjo-player Bob Powell and fiddle maestro Mick Shaler.

Together they present the sound of small town America having a good time. According to their blurb the band’s unusual name is Americana for ‘the real thing’ and they describe themselves as ‘just four guys having as much fun as you can have in public with the lights on!’

The music starts around 8.30pm and admission is free – but bring some change for the raffle and guest collection! Set your satnavs to CV21 1HN.

Special guest for next month’s session on Monday April 19th is the wonderful Napton-based singer-songwriter, Thom Kirkpatrick.

Further details from Pete Willow 01788 832608 or 07887 552896

www.myspace.com/borderlinecrossing
http://borderlinecrossing.wordpress.com/

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