Choirs join forces this month in Solihull in aid of poorly children

May 8, 2012 in Artists, News, Other, Pitch, Tour dates by Mark Badger

Warkikshire Boys Choir - Symphony hall Birmingham
Two talented young choirs join forces this month in a musical extravaganza in Solihull in aid of poorly children.

Warwickshire Boys’ Choir, finalists in the BBC Choir of the Year 2010, will team up with Knabenchor Hoesel Boys’ Choir from Germany for the concert at the Bushell Hall, Solihull School, Warwick Road on 18 May at 7.30pm.

Choir leader and director of the Warwickshire County Music Service, Garry Jones, said: “These hugely talented and successful boys just love singing, and it promises to be a show not to be missed! The Warwickshire Boys have twice appeared in the final of the National Festival of Music for Youth at Symphony Hall where last year they won a major award, have toured Europe, produced two CDs and appeared on radio and TV and their German counterparts have also won awards.”

The 60 Warwickshire choristers, aged from 8-14, will raise their voices with the German choir in singing a variety of well known popular and classical hits.

Emma Hale, head of fundraising at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I really encourage people to come on down for what will be a really entertaining night.  Not only will you hear well known songs from across the ages but you’ll also be supporting vital work at our local Hospitals.”

Proceeds from concert ticket sales will go towards children’s care at Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospitals. To book, call 0121 424 3838. Tickets cost £5 each, £4 for concessions and £15 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).

Fuse 2012 to get even more family friendly

May 5, 2012 in News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

This year’s Fuse festival is set to get even more family friendly with organisers, Lichfield Arts, introducing a range of new measures to increase the safety and enjoyment of everyone. The free community music and arts festival will run from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th July with all events finishing at the earlier time of 10pm on the Friday and Saturday evenings. Lichfield Arts have been working closely with Staffordshire Police who will be present in Beacon Park at peak times throughout the event. The most significant change, in line with many other festivals in the UK, is that no alcohol is to be allowed into or out of the event arena. The full revised 2012 conditions of entry are on the Fuse website (www.fuselichfield.org.uk) and will be reproduced in publicity and displayed around the site throughout the weekend. As in previous years the Challenge 25 policy will be operating and a DPPO (Drinking in a Public Place Order) permanently exists in the whole of Beacon Park.

Now in it’s 12th year, Fuse will have something for all ages with childrens’ shows and activities, music, dance, comedy, theatre, visual art and a craft market. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

Jared White, Lichfield Area Policing Commander, Staffs Police, said “Fuse is a fantastic event for the people of Lichfield. We are giving our full support to the event, with a police team in Beacon Park during the weekend to ensure the event is safe and secure for all.”

Tim Perks, spokesman for Fuse, said “As Fuse gets bigger each year it is vital that we have the right measures in place to ensure public safety and security. We are working more closely than ever with Staffordshire Police to make Fuse a safe and enjoyable event for all. Our new policy of no alcohol to be allowed into the event is in line with most other festivals and there will still be a licensed bar within the festival arena for those who do want to drink sensibly. There will of course be a range of other food and non alcoholic drink stalls. It is extremely important to Lichfield Arts that Fuse 2012 is an event that is enjoyed by the whole community and that Lichfield can be proud of”.

If anyone has particular concerns they wish to raise about the event or want more details they can telephone Lichfield Arts on 01543 262223 visit www.lichfieldarts.org.uk or the dedicated Fuse website at www.fuselichfield.org.uk.

The three day festival of music, entertainment, and arts runs from July 6th to 8th in Lichfield’s Beacon Park. With the Olympics in mind, the theme for this year is Rhythm, Rings, Sticks and Strings. The Fuse Festival is a popular free event, attracting thousands of people each year, and providing arts workshops, free music, and family activities from many local people and international bands.

As always, the Festival will include fine music from across many genres, a local outreach programme, allowing local schools and community groups to be involved, workshops and arts events, and a family friendly atmosphere. The Festival runs with the help of volunteers across the board, from the planning committee to anyone willing to give up a few hours over the weekend. The Festival is looking out for help from the following groups.

Creative/artistic people

Any creative/artistic people who want to contribute or participate in Fuse by creating site art & tent decoration, art installations, run workshops, etc. would be very welcome.

Young people

We are always keen to involve young people in Fuse in as many ways as possible.

Operational help

We also need volunteers to help run the festival over the weekend; help with site set-up, general stewards, bar staff, people to man the information desk, stage crew and help with festival break-down.

As well as needing volunteers, the festival also needs financial support to provide the quality of acts and events that it has had in the past. With this in mind, a new scheme has been launched.

Become a Friend of Fuse…

For a minimum donation of £50 you will receive:

- A VIP parking pass enabling you to park adjacent to the Fuse site during the festival

- An invitation for you and a guest to a special reception to be held at Fuse

- A quality photograph taken of you and your guests at Fuse

To become a Friend of Fuse please contact Lichfield Arts on 01543 262223 or e-mail info@lichfieldarts.org.uk

Fuse Festival Spokesman Tim Perks said: ‘Following last year’s success, we want to build on the impact and the work that Fuse does, both in the local community, and in the actual festival itself. It is a lot of work, but the end result is hugely rewarding. It offers opportunities to the local community to be involved in a life changing event, it offers opportunities to local bands and musicians to perform on a professional stage, whilst also giving entertainment to the thousands of people who visit the festival”

For more information, and updated details, please check the local press, the website, www.lichfieldarts.org.uk or keep up to date with events at www.facebook.com/pages/Lichfield-Fuse-Festival and www.twitter.com/lichfieldfuse

Fuse 2012 Outreach Project community workshops in Lichfield and Burntwood

May 5, 2012 in News, Opportunity, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

If you have ever fancied being in a circus you are invited to take part in workshops being run by Lichfield Arts.

Local people in Lichfield and Burntwood will be able to learn circus skills such as Juggling, Poi and Stilt walking at a series of workshops happening locally. The workshops will lead to public performances as part of the Fuse Festival in July.

The workshops, which are being organised by Lichfield Arts, are free and for all ages, but places are limited, and will be offered on a first come first served basis.

The Burntwood workshops will take place on Wednesdays 6.30-8.30pm at Burntwood Youth Centre, Cherry Tree Close, on May 23rd and 30th, June 13th, 20th, and 27th and July 4th. All under 10s must be accompanied by an over 18.

Workshops in Lichfield will take place on Thursdays, 6.30-8.30pm at Chadsmead School on May 24th and 31st, June 14th, 21st , and 28th and July 5th. All under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18.

Tim Perks, Fuse Festival Spokesman, said: ‘Fuse is all about giving people of all ages from Lichfield District the opportunity to experience and take part in new activities. Come along and join in. You might even discover a new talent’.

Anyone wanting to know more about the workshops can email Info@lichfieldarts.org,

visit the Lichfield Arts website, phone the offices on 01543 262223, or call into the offices in Donegal House, Bore Street.

Party In The Park Monday 7th May 2012 Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge

May 5, 2012 in News, Other, Pitch, Tour dates by Mark Badger

Party In The Park Monday 7th May 2012 Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge

Party in the Park website
Party In The Park Monday 7th May 2012 Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge
Party In The Park Monday 7th May 2012 Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge

Soweto Kinch talks about taking The Flyover Show to South Africa on 31st March 2012

March 27, 2012 in Artists, News, Other, Pitch, Tour dates, Video, Visual by Mark Badger

UK hip-hop artist Soweto Kinch will host a groundbreaking show featuring a diverse and brilliant line-up in Freedom Square on 31st March 2012. Among the artists that have confirmed their appearance at the Flyover Show are Tumi from Tumi and the Volume, Soweto Kinch and band, Feya Faku, ESKA, Jonzi D, Bokani Dyer, DJ Raiko, Yugen Blakrok, Gin-I Grindith, Robo The Technician, Hymphatic Thabs, and the Kliptown Youth Program Gumboot Dancers.

Kinch, one of the most exciting and versatile young musicians in both the British jazz and hip-hop scenes, will bring his iconic festival from the streets of Birmingham to the streets of the township he shares his name with – Soweto. The Flyover Show is Kinch’s project and has been a day-long, music and arts festival that has taken place for five years in its unusual setting beneath a flyover in Birmingham, UK.

The Birmingham festival has featured artists as diverse as Goldie, Akala and Omar and continues to build on its reputation, bringing world class entertainment to an often forgotten corner of Birmingham.

This year the show will not only take place in Birmingham, but in the historic Freedom Square – also known as the Walter Sisulu Square of dedication in Kliptown, Soweto.

“Freedom Square is in many ways the most natural place to extend the concept of The Flyover Show. I have both a deep artistic and personal connection to Johannesburg and I’m really excited about expanding this concept there,” said Kinch, who is also an award winning alto-saxophonist.

“As an area with rich historic and often unappreciated traditions it has much similarity with the areas in Birmingham where the show originated,” he added. Read the rest of this entry →

The Flyover Show Freedom Square, Soweto, South Africa 31st March 2012 FREE 10am to 6pm

March 19, 2012 in News, Other, Pitch, Reviews by Mark Badger

The Flyover Show FLYER FRONT 31st March 2012: Freedom Square, South Africa

In the days of early apartheid rule half a century ago, on 26 June 1955, over 3 000 representatives of resistance organisations made their way through police cordons to gather on a dusty square in Kliptown, Soweto, 40km south of Johannesburg.

This was the Congress of the People, who met to draw up the Freedom Charter, an alternative vision to the repressive policies of the apartheid state.

At the time, Nelson Mandela had to stay concealed to avoid the police. On the second day, the authorities broke up the gathering, but not before the charter was adopted as a guide document. It remains the cornerstone of African National Congress (ANC) policy to this day, and is seen by many as the foundation of South Africa’s 1996 Constitution.

That dusty field has now been declared a national heritage site, and on 26 June 2005 President Thabo Mbeki lit a flame of freedom in Kliptown to mark the opening of the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication – and 50 years of the Freedom Charter.

The Flyover Show 31st March 2012:

Hip-Hop artist and award winning alto-saxophonist, Soweto Kinch, will host a groundbreaking show featuring a diverse and brilliant line-up in the historic Freedom Square on 31st March 2012. Among the artists that have confirmed their appearance at the Flyover Show are Tumi from Tumi and the Volume, Soweto Kinch and band, Feya Faku, ESKA, Jonzi D, Bokani Dyer, DJ Raiko and the Kliptown Youth Program Gumboot Dancers. Read the rest of this entry →

Destination Birmingham. Birmingham A Music City Scrutiny Report

February 28, 2012 in News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

In 2010 Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry was asked to answer 10 Questions.

In May 2011 UK Music published “Destination: Music” the first study of its kind to scope the economic contribution of music festivals and major concerts to tourism throughout the UK. You can read all about it at http://www.ukmusic.org/news/post/147-music-tourists-contribute-at-least-864m-a-year-to-the-uk-economy

After May 2011 Emma Williamson (Group Overview and Scrutiny Manager) & Baseema Begum (Research & Policy Officer) at the Scrutiny Office of Birmingham City Council got in touch. Emma & Baseema sent through several documents that asked a number of interesting questions. Rather than try to answer the questions on your behalf, The Music Network decided to pass the questions on to you direct.

In October 2011 The Music Network asked Another 10 Questions.

The Music Network hope the discussion will continue. We have collected together your opinions, consultation and research here in the Strategy category.

In February 2012 An email and Scrutiny Report Document was sent to us by Baseema Begum, Research & Policy Officer, Scrutiny Office, Birmingham City Council. The email read as follows: Read the rest of this entry →

OxjamBrum is seeking a new Takeover Manager

February 23, 2012 in Job Vacancy, News, Opportunity, Pitch by Mark Badger

Heading into its fourth year OxjamBrum is now seeking a new Takeover Manager.  Do you know and love the Birmingham music scene? This might be the role for you.  Part of Oxfam’s National Annual Music Festival you’ll be in good hands and receive extensive training from industry experts.  Applications close Sunday 4th March 2012

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/Oxjam/LatestNews/OxjamFestival/TakeoverManagers2012

Thanks if you can
Nicola

Rebecca Schwarz 3rd March, MAC, Birmingham 2012

February 12, 2012 in Artists, News, Other, Pitch, Tour dates by Mark Badger

Rebecca Schwarz Flyer 3 March - mac
Rebecca Schwarz

Saturday 3rd March 2012
8:30pm

Hexagon Theatre,
MAC
Cannon Hill Park
Birmingham
B12 9QH
Tel: 0121 446 3232

Tickets: £5
www.macarts.co.uk
www.upsidedownswan.com

Rebecca Schwarz
http://rebeccaschwarz.co.uk/
07803 900154

Scratch Radio, Birmingham 2012

February 11, 2012 in Broadcast, News, Other, Pitch, Radio by Mark Badger

Scratch Radio Logo 2012
Scratch Radio has relaunched for 2012 with a refreshed sound and an exciting few months ahead, and an exclusive documentary.

Birmingham’s favourite student station has been off air over the Christmas and New Year break but has relaunched with a new line-up of shows, more music than ever before and exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary. Read the rest of this entry →

The Big Session Festival, Catton Hall,15-17 June, 2012 South Derbyshire

February 10, 2012 in Artists, News, Other, Pitch, Tour dates by Mark Badger

The long-established midlands event The Big Session Festival is coming to a new home at Catton Park, South Derbyshire, just two miles south of Burton-upon-Trent. The event’s organisers are delighted to present a wealth of local East Midlands talent alongside nationally acclaimed acts.

The Big Session Festival features a wide range of roots, acoustic, dance and rock music in its superb location beside the River Trent. The festival opens on Friday 15 June and closes on Sunday 17 June. As well as full musical line-up, there will be a packed programme of activities for children and families and a real ale & cider festival.
Read the rest of this entry →

Musoplex film opinions on Music in the West Midlands

February 2, 2012 in Artists, News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

Musoplex, a rehearsal and recording studio based in Oldbury, is looking for opinionated creative residents of the West Midlands e.g. promoters, bands, artists and management, to have a chat on video about the state of music in the region.  They have posted a few of their pilots online, filmed and edited by Musoplex Director Andy Ward.

Andy said “Musoplex as a studio and rehearsal rooms hears a lot of opinions as to the good and bad going on in music in the area. We have decided to do something about it, we are documenting views and opinions on film. If you want to offer your own opinions or comments to camera, in no more than a 10 minute interview e-mail andy@musoplex.com.”

Watch the videos for yourself, and if you have something to say, get in touch.

Another 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry.

October 19, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

Last year, Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry was asked to answer 10 Questions. In 2011 The Music Network is asking Another 10 Questions to continue the discussion. Replies by email can be sent to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com

In May 2011 UK Music published “Destination: Music” the first study of its kind to scope the economic contribution of music festivals and major concerts to tourism throughout the UK. You can read all about it at http://www.ukmusic.org/news/post/147-music-tourists-contribute-at-least-864m-a-year-to-the-uk-economy

In recent weeks Emma Williamson (Group Overview and Scrutiny Manager) & Baseema Begum (Research & Policy Officer) at the Scrutiny Office of Birmingham City Council have been in touch. Emma & Baseema sent through several documents that ask a number of interesting questions. Rather than try to answer the questions on your behalf, The Music Network has decided to pass the questions on to you direct. The questions have no deadline for submission, the questions will be open to anyone to answer at any time. Your thoughts and opinions are welcome, at any time. We hope the discussion will continue. For more opinion, consultation and research we have collected together, read through our posts so far in the Strategy category.

If you want to submit your own “Ten Questions” or even just “One new question” please email them in. When we have enough, I’ll post them as “More Questions”. Completed submissions will be published at http://www.birminghammusicnetwork.com unless you state otherwise. Please include your Name, brief biography or information about who you are and what you do, and links to your website or blog. You will be credited as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something. I will invite Emma, Baseema and their colleagues to read your published answers here on the website for themselves.

The following questions have been inspired by the contents of a letter to Birmingham Music Network from Councillor Philip Parkin, Chairman – Leisure, Sport and Culture, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, The Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB. (The letter was dated 29 July 2011)

Destination Birmingham: Birmingham, A Music City Read the rest of this entry →

All participants in the Music Industry

August 8, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

Birmingham Music Network is an organisation set up for the benefit of all participants in the music industry.  It is unfunded and run by volunteers drawn from the local industry including Mark Badger from Iron Man Records and Anthony Hughes and Andy Derrick from Sostenuto. There is no particular agenda other than that suggested by attendees at our regular monthly meetings and by material sent to info at birminghammusicnetwork.com

Our monthly meetings are held at the TEE faculty of Birmingham City University at Millennium Point on the last Thursday of each month. We are grateful for the support of Dave Taylor and his team at the TEE for providing the room and refreshments free of charges and for advertising us alongside the larger Creative Networks events. Read the rest of this entry →

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry.

March 5, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

The Music Network invites people with an interest or active role within Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry to answer 10 questions.

There has a been a lot of discussion around these Ten questions. The questions have no deadline for submission, the questions will be open to anyone to answer at any time. You thoughts and opinions are welcome, at any time.

Ten Questions have already been answered by:

Andy Derrick, Keisha Thompson, Jon Cotton, Pam Bishop, Andy Roberts, Ben Calvert.

For more opinion, consultation and research we have collected together, read through our posts in the Strategy category.

If you want to submit your own Ten Questions or even just One new question please email them in. When we have enough, I’ll post them as “Another Ten Questions”.

Completed submissions will be published at http://www.birminghammusicnetwork.com unless you state otherwise. Please include your Name, brief biography or information about who you are and what you do, and links to your website or blog. You will be credited as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something.

Submission by email send to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com – Thank You.

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry:

1. In your view, what is the current state of the region’s “Independent Music Industry?”

2. What do you think are it’s immediate needs with reference to the areas that you are most familiar with?

3. As far as the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what do you think shows the greatest potential for the next few years?

4. In recent years, there has been a range of initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham. Can you list 5 projects or initiatives that you think have proved beneficial to the “Independent Music Industry?”

5. Can you list any projects or initiatives that you think have proved “of little use or benefit” to the “Independent Music Industry?”

6. With regard to your answers to questions 4 and 5, do you think Birmingham should continue to pursue the idea of more initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham?

7. If you could make any changes to, or include any new ideas for, any “strategy for supporting the development of music in Birmingham” what would your top priorities be?

8. If you were given the task of evaluating whether a project or initiative had been successful, what would you suggest as the best indicators of success, failure, benefit or disaster for the “Independent Music Industry?”

9. As far as your knowledge or understanding of the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what are it’s greatest strengths, and what are it’s greatest weaknesses?

10. If you could do anything to “support the development of music in Birmingham” what would you do and why would you choose to do that?

(The term “Region” as far as these questions are concerned refers to Birmingham or the geographic area Birmingham City Council works within.)

I have also quoted a number of existing articles below. Can anyone suggest any other existing articles that the group should read and consider that may have been omitted?

A DIGITAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ACTION PLAN http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/03/06/a-digital-and-creative-industries-action-plan/

The people who control the Funding are damaging the Creative Industries in The West Midlands by Anthony J Hughes http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/06/12/the-people-who-control-the-funding-are-damaging-the-creative-industries-in-the-west-midlands/

Birmingham Twinned with Your Darkest Thought? by Mark Iron Man Records http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/11/10/birmingham-twinned-with-your-darkest-thought/

A Year later – Perspectives on the West Midlands Music Industry – Scott Roe, Solar Creations http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/11/10/a-year-later-perspectives-on-the-west-midlands-music-industry-scott-roe/

What is your view of the West Midlands’ music industry? by Mark Iron Man Records http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/03/what-is-your-view-of-the-west-midlands%E2%80%99-music-industry/

A Vision for the Music Industry in the West Midlands by Clare Edwards June 2008 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/03/a-vision-for-the-music-industry-in-the-west-midlands-by-clare-edwards-june-2008/

Another view of the West Midlands’ music industry and FUNDING by Andy Ward http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/10/andy-ward-another-view-of-the-west-midlands%E2%80%99-music-industry-and-funding/

Countercultural Capital & the Creative Economy – How do 1990s DiY Music ‘Entrepreneurs’ talk about the contemporary music business?” by Charlotte Bedford 2008 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/06/04/countercultural-capital-the-creative-economy-how-do-1990s-diy-music-%E2%80%98entrepreneurs%E2%80%99-talk-about-the-contemporary-music-business-by-charlotte-bedford-2008/

Funding the Creative Industries by Andy Derrick 13th Feb 2009 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/13/funding-the-creative-industries-by-andy-derrick-13th-feb-2009/

The Scottish Music Industry Association(SMIA) – launched at Go North conference http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/07/21/the-scottish-music-industry-associationsmia-launched-at-go-north-conference/

Redefining the Music Industry – A public consultation on the future shape, needs, direction and ambitions of the music industry. http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/09/10/redefining-the-music-industry-a-public-consultation-on-the-future-shape-needs-direction-and-ambitions-of-the-music-industry/

National Survey and Mapping Exercise assessing provision & scope of music support work across UK 2009 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/09/22/national-survey-and-mapping-exercise-assessing-provision-scope-of-music-support-work-across-uk-2009/

How does Iron Man Records choose it’s artists and how does it promote them? http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/11/28/how-does-iron-man-records-choose-its-artists-and-how-does-it-promote-them/

your comments please…..

cheers Mark – The Music Network, January 2011