Entertainment News

Extinction Rebellion has announced the full programme for its weekend ‘Spring Uprising’ festival of rebellion, activism and music this weekend in Bristol, with many exciting new acts having joined the line-up.

Pioneer of the UK festival scene DJ Chris Tofu MBE, honoured for his outstanding service to music and festivals and Chief Vibes Master at Glastonbury, will be joined by DJ friends Slamboree Sound System, Dub Revolution, Ghetto Funk Allstars and World’s Tallest DJ. Alongside them, Havana schooled Mercury Music Prize nominee, singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nick Mulvey will contribute his unique Latin-influenced alt-folk to proceedings.

They join an array of music acts already including Sam Lee, Dizraeli, Mesadorm, Bellatrix, Pete the Temp, Honeyfeet and The High Breed, and poets including Salena Godden, Vanessa Kisuule and Kev the Poet.

DJ Chris Tofu MBE said: “This is what it’s all about. I’m gonna do the best set of my life.”

The event, to be held in Bristol’s Motion venue (74-78 Avon Street, Bristol, BS2 0PX), is part of Extinction Rebellion’s planning for what is expected to be one of the largest non-violent civil disobedience acts in decades - International Rebellion beginning 15 April 2019.

The festival also features talks and workshops at which up to 1,000 people at a time will be trained in peaceful nonviolent civil disobedience. Among the new additions to these are talks by Satish Kumar, former monk, co-founder of Schumacher College and editor of Resurgence and Ecologist magazine, andMission Lifeforce, the organisation seeking to make ecocide an international crime overseen by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

There will be workshops by Reclaim The Power, the environmental activist group which grew out of the Climate Camp movement, and Daniel Connolly, who will be teaching how to build a wind turbine from reclaimed materials for less than £30. Also speaking will be Natalie Fee, named Bristol 24/7 Woman of the Year for her campaigning against plastic pollution, and Professor Graham Smith, Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Westminster. For part of Saturday evening, the main stage has been given over to XR Youth and Youth Strike 4 Climate, following on from the second national school strike the previous day. There will be a screening of You Can't Evict An Idea, the feature documentary about the Occupy London occupation in 2011-12.

They join a list of speakers already including Mike Bonanno of The Yes Men; Co-founder of Extinction Rebellion Dr Gail Bradbrook; author and founding member of Ecological Land Co-op Alex Lawrie; writer for New Internationalist & Occupy activist Jamie Kelsey-Fry; writer & artist Zoe Young.

Festival organiser Tiana Jacout commented: “What makes it unique is that while many festivals recognise this crisis and the need for activism, this is I believe the first completely dedicated to civil disobedience, that we cannot pay lip service any more, that we need to focus solely on this. We can and will still enjoy the gathering and the amazing music but there’s a higher focus to it as well.”

The site is not set up for overnight stay, attendees are asked to arrange their own accommodation, or fill out the Spring Uprising Accommodation form to offer/ask around Bristol.

The event is supported by music industry and festival organisers such as Boomtown Festival, Buddhafield, Ninja Tune Records, Alfresco Disco, The Green Gathering, Woman Fest and Burn Punk.

Saturday 16 March will see live streams with major Extinction Rebellion UK groups so attendees can meet and talk to rebels from around the country. On Sunday 17 March, the same will happen for international Extinction Rebellion groups from the USA, Ghana and beyond. There will also be a People’s Assembly.

Eight areas to explore, learn and take part

• Rebel hall - Music, talks and non-violent direct action training for 1000 at a time.
• Solution Zone – Showcasing local and national solutions to the crisis – co-housing, permaculture, renewable energy, tiny houses, resource use, a citizens’ assembly demo, a special projected zoom call with Extinction Rebellion groups all over the world and more
• Gallery – Art themed around the ecological crisis. The best 20 will be taken on an Extinction Rebellion art tour this summer (galleries & festivals)
• The Art Factory – Lets make the rebellion beautiful! To create much of the larger art/banners/ printing that will be used for 15 April onwards – come up and help, learn how to Lino print, print your clothes with Extinction Rebellion graphics, or just hang out with the brilliant scoundrels that are our art team
• The Sanctuary – Our regenerative culture space, the Extinction café, with communication, grief counsellors and body workers
• Resistance Exhibition – A photographic journey through social resistance movements from the past 30 years
• Training Rooms – Smaller spaces for specific activism training throughout the weekend (training of trainers, learn the ‘heading for extinction’ talk etc.)
• Ethical Food Quarter – With food provided by ethical traders and food waste organisations. No single use plastics here!

“By rebelling, we can catapult both the severity of the crisis and the fact that there are solutions into the spotlight. Just like The Green Gathering, this Spring Uprising is a festival beyond hedonism - it's about gathering together to save the planet."

Tiana Jacout continued: “This is the next step in our response to the threat to life we all face, a potentially life changing event for attendees. Let’s celebrate coming together, get trained, organised and have a damn good time doing it.

“With thousands of people coming together to face the climate and ecological emergency, this event is intended to help people prepare, organise and celebrate for this historic moment in time together. It will also give individuals the opportunity to find and critically analyse their role in the movement for change.”

The Solutions Zone will showcase amazing organisations and charities that are already doing the work. A community exchange of ideas – bringing back the possibility of a beautiful world, the solution workshops will learn from past civil rights movements and apply them to the current issues.

Expect to hear about permaculture, co-operatives, renewable energy, grassroots democracy, land regeneration, housing and health, food for a future, water conservation, zero waste and zero carbon, circular economies, community building, solidarity in diversity, global justice, sustainable materials, skilling up, technological solutions, independent media and more.

The aim is to inspire people to take action NOW to change their lives and the world in response to the climate change and ecological crises. There will be interactive spaces – stalls, installations and micro-communities – to wander amongst. The Solutions Zone is a space where people can learn new skills, make connections, find community and change their lives, and it’s all curated by the award-winning Green Gathering festival crew.

Solutions Zone TV is linking up with Extinction Rebellion teams internationally and sharing eco solutions from around the world.

Producers Michael Harrison and David Ian have announced that Alexandra Burke  and Jennlee Shallow will play the role of Rachel Marron in ‘The Bodyguard’ at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre at selected performances from Tuesday 25 June – Saturday 6 July.

Joining them will be Benoît Maréchal as Frank Farmer, Micha Richardson as Nicki Marron, Peter Landi as Bill Devaney, Craig Berry as Tony, Gary Turneras Sy Spector, Phil Atkinson as The Stalker and Simon Cotton as Ray Court.

The rest of the company includes Rosie Cava-Beale, Callum Clack, Myles Cork, Kerry Crozier, Sia Dauda, Gustav Die, Chris Edgerley, James Lee Harris, Holly Liburd, Jack Loy, Hannah Millichamp, Helen Parsons, Daniil Shmidt, Jessica Simmons, Yiota Theo and Michael Wade Peters.

Alexandra Burke returns to the role of Rachel Marron following her triumphant run in the show in both the West End and the subsequent sell out 2015/2016 tour. She first rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor and her debut number one single ‘Hallelujah’ sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist.

She most recently appeared as Svetlana in ‘Chess’ at the London Coliseum and as Roxie in Chicago at the West End’s Phoenix Theatre. In 2017 she reached the final of ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’ Her other theatre credits include Deloris Van Cartier in the national tour of the musical ‘Sister Act.’

Jennlee Shallow’s many theatre credits include Nala in ‘The Lion King’ in both Australia and Germany, Deena in ‘Dreamgirls’ and Sarah in ‘Ragtime.’ Jennlee has also performed in the Cirque du Soleil shows ‘Kooza’ and ‘Viva Elvis.’

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, ‘The Bodyguard,’ directed by Thea Sharrock with book by Oscar winning (Birdman) Alex Dinelaris, had its world premiere at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End in 2012 and was nominated for four Olivier Awards. A sell out 18 month UK and Ireland tour followed, before the show returned to the West End at the Dominion Theatre. ‘The Bodyguard’ has also played in the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Canada, Italy, Australia, Madrid, France, and on tour throughout the US and can currently be seen in Stuttgart.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, ‘The Bodyguard’ features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

East London original grime pioneer turned worldwide superstar, Dizzee Rascal, has been added to the Soundscape Festival bill taking over the Ricoh Arena stadium bowl on Sunday June 16.

Chart and dance music fans will be treated to a day of whirlwind acts later this year, as Coventry prepares to host an array of chart-topping music talent.

Dizzee Rascal becomes the seventh artist added to the line-up, as the home of Wasps Rugby prepares for a mammoth day of music featuring huge global acts and the buzz of a traditional festival, with the added bonus of state-of-the-art tech and facilities for discerning music fans chasing a taste of the spectacular.

Soundscape’s line-up speaks for itself, with a range of acts that have commanded headline slots at some of the country’s hugest music events. Dizzee brings his upfront blend of hip-hop to the festival, joining headliner and iconic French DJ and producer David Guetta, playing his only UK date.

Also on the bill is the UK’s brightest new soloist Anne-Marie, chart-topping electropop trio Years & Years, million-selling dance group Clean Bandit, chart sensation Mabel and X-Factor breakout stars Rak-Su, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.

The ultimate performer Dizzee will showcase his number one hits “Dance Wiv Me”, “Bonkers”, “Holiday”, “Dirtee Disco” and “Shout”.

His debut album ‘Boy in da Corner’ is still considered a grime classic and earned him the 2003 Mercury Prize Award and he’s still ripping up the rule-book.

He’ll also showcase his bass-heavy newer material, with songs like ‘Wot U Gonna Do?’ from 2017 album ‘Raskit’ and ‘Bassline Junkie’ from 2013 album ‘The Fifth’, which is sure to get crowds jumping. There will also be new material to enjoy from new EP ‘Don’t Gas Me’. Recent single ‘Quality’ samples the classic 1992 hardcore track ‘The Sound Of Music’ by Nookie and is the ultimate festival floorfiller.

Along with a star-studded programme packed with hits, Soundscape’s world-class staging will be the scene for huge production, dazzling light effects, atmospheric lasers and breathtaking pyrotechnics, putting all music fans right at the heart of the action.

The festival vibe continues away from the excitement of the main stage. Ricoh Arena is set to be transformed into a buzzing revellers’ paradise, with an array of artisan food stalls to help you keep your energy up for your non-stop dance moves, along with swish prosecco bars and mini gin palaces to make you feel refreshed and ready for anything.

Dance, eat, drink, relax – and then, once revived, it’s back to the dancing! Soundscape is set to be the stuff of legends, a staple of the summer live music calendar – and you can say you were there right at the very start!

Based in theatres around the UK, The West End Bhangra Musical will combine live music, stage production and an experience that raises the level of Bhangra music events.

Not only will it showcase 4 of the Premier UK Bhangra artists of all time – Heera, DCS, Apna Sangeet & Pardesi all accompanied by The Legends Band. The same stage will also be shared by new talent from different communities and musical genres to create a diverse musical to show that music truly is a universal language.

The West End Bhangra Musical is a project which has been conceived by 4 individuals who collectively have had many successes on the music scene.

From local and international live Bhangra music performances, social media content production, event & film promotions, music education coupled with their decades of passion for Bhangra music, this has bought them together for this unique musical project.

Tejinder Singh CEO of Punjab 2000 said: “The West End Bhangra Musical In a theatre setting is the logical step to take Bhangra to a new theatre going audience rather than Banqueting Halls & Club Venues”

Successful promoter Kam Chera said: “The West End Bhangra Musical is the next stage in raising the live music experience for audiences to enjoy’’

Harry Matharu founder of The Legends Band ‘’ “I want to create such a phenomenal ‘EXPERIENCE’ never seen before by the audiences in relation to a Bhangra Concert.

There will not be a single minute where the audiences will not think “WOW!” as the team & I have more ideas up our sleeves to make these concerts even more special”

International DJ, music producer, TV and radio host, Dipps Bhamrah, commented: “The West End Bhangra Musical will feature customised lighting shows, big screen production content, dancers ranging from traditional Bhangra to mainstream Urban and all in the effort to keep the audiences on the edge of their seats and wondering ‘what’s going to happen next’?”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Hollywood superstar Idris Elba and Sir Michael Caine, Thandie Newton, Mayor Sadiq Khan are Anthony Joshua OBE are among the stars who’ve been ranked among the top of London’s power list of the 100 most influential figures in the city.

The 2019 London Power 100 celebrates the 100 most powerful and influential people in the UK’s capitol city.

London Power 100 president Nicholas Taylor, who welcomed the list, said: “As expected there are some familiar faces across Royalty, politics, business and media appearing and some less well known individuals who have made their way into the list for their substantial contributions they have made over the last 12 months in their respective fields.”

The list was made through open nominations and recommendations by members of the general public before a final selection by a judging panel. A final list was then delivered to LondonPower100’s president who assessed all the names put forward.

Some other leading figures on the list include; HM The Queen, Lady Scotland, Sir Mo Farah, Wiley MBE, Baroness Shriti Vadera, Mo Gilligan, Letitia Wright, Tinie Tempah, Noel Clarke,   Kavi and Shamil William Shu, Thakrar Dame Helen Mirren, Akshay Ruparelia, Zayn Bux, Ryan Gander, Zayn Malik and Dina Asher-Smith.

The Mini, the most popular British car ever built and a true British icon, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

The mark the event, this month the makers are launching The MINI 60 Years Edition, an exclusive design model, available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations and with four engine variants from which to choose.

The original Mini ranked fourth in a poll of British design icons organised by the BBC and the Design Museum; it has had starring roles in films like The Italian Job and at the London 2012 Olympic Games; it has gone racing; it has been a troop transporter; and has won the hearts of many millions across the globe for six decades.

Now, the Birmingham-built classic is the inspiration for a new series of arresting pop art-style artworks launched by world-leading art agency, Thomas Crown Art (TCA).

International art dealer at TCA, Stephen Howes, comments: “The Mini, the greatest success story that the British motor industry has ever known, was never meant to be an icon.

“It was meant to be practical and efficient.”

He continues: “But with its unconventional looks, its daring-to-be-different charm, its personality, and its design, the Mini was cool from the very beginning.

“From the moment it was launched in 1959, there was a coolness about it that has endured and undoubtedly grown over the last six decades.

“Its place as a true, mould-breaking British icon was cemented in the epicentre of Great Britain in the Swinging Sixties and has been galvanised in the 21st century’s Cool Britannia movement.”

Mr Howes goes on to add: “How could we not celebrate this timeless, fun-loving legend as it prepares to celebrate its diamond anniversary? And who better than Birmingham-born artist Gary O’Neil?

“These bright, arresting highly original and collectable mixed-media pieces encapsulate the spirit of the Mini. They have an electrifying sense of freshness about them and have their origins in the 1960s pop art scene.”

For his part, artist Gary O’Neil, explains: “Like a lot of people, I’m quite nostalgic about the Mini. My parents owned several, and I had one for my first car. More recently, I bought myself a “Cooper S” which I love to drive.

“We thought it would be great to recognise the Mini’s 60th birthday by producing some artwork. I decided to enhance the paintings using old tax discs, and to emulate the dominant style in art from the period. I think the result of painting the iconic Mini in the pop art style works really well.”

The Mini series by Gary O’Neil are available globally and can be viewed here.

Stephen Howes concludes: “Against the backdrop of Britain quitting the EU, the Mini, which embodies all that is cool about Britain, celebrates its 60th birthday.  With these collectors’ pieces of art we’re looking to continue to ride the wave of Cool Britannia into the future.”

The weekend of 16/17 March in Bristol, Extinction Rebellion will put on its first ever festival of rebellion, activism and music – dubbed ‘Spring Uprising’ – at which up to 1,000 people at a time will be trained in peaceful nonviolent civil disobedience.

Bringing together an unprecedented gathering of people from different backgrounds for nonviolent direct action workshops, music and art, the festival, to be held in Bristol’s Motion venue (74-78 Avon Street, Bristol, BS2 0PX), is part of Extinction Rebellion’s planning for what is expected to be one of the largest non-violent civil disobedience acts in decades - International Rebellion beginning 15 April 2019.

The event is supported by music industry and festival organisers such as Boomtown Festival, Buddhafield, Ninja Tune Records, Alfresco Disco, The Green Gathering, Woman Fest and Burn Punk.

Over a dozen musical acts have so far been confirmed including Sam Lee, Dizraeli, Mesadorm, Bellatrix, Pete the Temp, Honeyfeet and The High Breed. Poets include Salena Godden, Vanessa Kisuule and Kev the Poet. Speakers include Mike Bonanno of The Yes Men; Co-founder of Extinction Rebellion Dr Gail Bradbrook; author and  founding member of Ecological Land Co-op Alex Lawry; writer for New Internationalist & Occupy activist Jamie Kelsey-Fry; writer & artist Zoe Young.

Saturday 16 March will see live streams with major Extinction Rebellion UK groups so attendees can meet and talk to rebels from around the country. On Sunday 17 March, the same will happen for international Extinction Rebellion groups from the USA, Ghana and beyond. There will also be a People’s Assembly.

“This is the next step in our response to the threat to life we all face, a potentially life changing event for attendees. Let’s celebrate coming together, get trained, organised and have a damn good time doing it,” said festival organiser, Tiana Jacout.

“With thousands of people coming together to face the climate and ecological emergency, this event is intended to help people prepare, organise and celebrate for this historic moment in time together. It will also give individuals the opportunity to find and critically analyse their role in the movement for change.”

Eight areas to explore, learn and take part

• Rebel hall- Music, talks and non-violent direct action training for 1000 at a time.
• Solution Zone– Showcasing local and national solutions to the crisis – co-housing, permaculture, renewable energy, tiny houses, resource use, a citizens’ assembly demo, a special projected zoom call with Extinction Rebellion groups all over the world and more
• Gallery– Art themed around the ecological crisis. The best 20 will be taken on an Extinction Rebellion art tour this summer (galleries & festivals)
• The Art Factory– Lets make the rebellion beautiful! To create much of the larger art/banners/ printing that will be used for 15 April onwards – come up and help, learn how to Lino print, print your clothes with Extinction Rebellion graphics, or just hang out with the brilliant scoundrels that are our art team
• The Sanctuary– Our regenerative culture space, the Extinction café, with communication, grief counsellors and body workers
• Resistance Exhibition– A photographic journey through social resistance movements from the past 30 years
• Training Rooms– Smaller spaces for specific activism training throughout the weekend (training of trainers, learn the ‘heading for extinction’ talk etc.)
• Ethical Food Quarter– With food provided by ethical traders and food waste organisations. No single use plastics here!

Em Weirdigan, Green Gathering festival director and Solutions Zone curator says: "I'm massively excited to be part of a movement that's about rebellion, about civil disobedience ... and about seeking practical answers alongside people who've been working on solutions to climate change and community breakdown for years.

“By rebelling, we can catapult both the severity of the crisis and the fact that there are solutions into the spotlight. Just like The Green Gathering, this Spring Uprising is a festival beyond hedonism - it's about gathering together to save the planet."

Robin Boardman from Extinction Rebellion Bristol says: “This will be a powerful coming together of energy, ideas and trainings about how to take Extinction Rebellion forward to challenge to the UK government.”

The Solutions Zone at the Spring Uprising Festival

The Solutions Zone will showcase amazing organisations and charities that are already doing the work. A community exchange of ideas – bringing back the possibility of a beautiful world, the solution workshops will learn from past civil rights movements and apply them to the current issues.

Expect to hear about permaculture, co-operatives, renewable energy, grassroots democracy, land regeneration, housing and health, food for a future, water conservation, zero waste and zero carbon, circular economies, community building, solidarity in diversity, global justice, sustainable materials, skilling up, technological solutions, independent media and more.

The aim is to inspire people to take action NOW to change their lives and the world in response to the climate change and ecological crises. There will be interactive spaces – stalls, installations and micro-communities – to wander amongst. The Solutions Zone is a space where people can learn new skills, make connections, find community and change their lives, and it’s all curated by the award-winning Green Gathering festival crew.

Plus Solutions Zone TV linking up with Extinction Rebellion teams internationally and sharing eco solutions from around the world.

At only 22 years old, Tom Lucy has already established himself as one of the most exciting new comedians around.  Signed to the prestigious Off The Kerb agency, home to comedy legends such as Michael McIntyre, Jonathan Ross and Alan Carr, since the age of 17, he quickly rose through the comedy clubs and became one of the youngest professional stand-up comedians in the world.

After successful shows at the Edinburgh Fringe over the last two years – Tom has now announced a string of dates that will include his best material to date alongside new gems.  Tom Lucy is apparently, a millennial. This is not something he is happy about. His show is about family, growing up and struggling to come to terms with being the snowflake of his generation.

Recently he supported Kevin Bridges on tour and when he was 19 became the youngest ever comedian to perform in arenas as special guest of Jack Whitehall.  He has also supported Aziz Ansari in London.  In 2018 Tom completed a sell-out residency at London’s Soho Theatre – his first solo headline shows in London.  He has also toured internationally in the Middle East, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and the USA.

In 2016, at just 19, Tom won the prestigious Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year award. In 2017, Lucy took his debut solo show to the Edinburgh Festival selling out the entire run and winning The Sun’s Best New Comedian at the Fringe.

TV credits include Roast Battle and Comedy Central Live at the Comedy Store. He has also written for Michael McIntyre and for the 2019 BRIT Awards.

Beloved ‘Brummie’ presenter Alison Hammond has narrowly missed out on being crowned the celebrity winner of the UK’s largest ever measure of how loud we can yell. Narrowly missing out to TV star James Nesbit. A reading of the voice of Nesbitt, revealed it to be 94.51 decibels – as loud as both a jack hammer and a motorcycle engine and fractionally lower than Hammonds’ 94.1 decibels.

Recordings of over 10,000 British residents were taken by Yell.com, in a specially designed booth, which travelled over 9,000 miles across the UK, visiting 20 different locations. The tour marked the final delivery of the Yellow Pages in each area and challenged people to yell different types of small businesses as loudly as they could – for example ‘pub’, ‘florist’, or ‘plumber’. Oxford resident Lucian Ghimpu was crowned the overall winner in the competition recording an impressive 94.51 decibels.

Celebrities local to each location also took part in the competition. Cardiff-born TV presenter Matt Johnson came in third place with 94.20, followed by beloved Glaswegian Lorraine Kelly in fourth with 89.79 decibels. In Manchester ex-Coronation Street and X Factor star Shayne Ward managed 85.76 decibels.

Speaking to Alison Hammond post the roadshows she said: “I can’t believe that I wasn’t the loudest celebrity yeller – I gave it my all – but congratulations to James and his dulcet Belfast tones for beating me!”

Richard Hanscott, CEO of Yell Ltd, commented: “At all of these roadshows the engagement with the public, our #JustYell booth, celebrities and prize activity was fantastic. We asked the public to Yell for their favourite type of small business, needless to say “pub” was the most popular! With the final delivery of Yellow Pages having now taken place – we wanted to remind everyone we’re still here for them as we’ve always been and that they can search through the free Yell app for their favourite local business and leave reviews and feedback for them.”

Reggae’s reigning queen; Etana is the first Jamaican female nominee to be a part of the Grammy’s live red carpet telecast. According to major global media outlets, she represented well for her country and genre. Multiple outlets placed her on their ‘Best Dressed’ list. Not only is this a win for the singer/ songwriter, it is also a win for Jamaica's fashion industry as her dress was custom made by a local female designer.

With offers to wear and promote world famous luxury fashion brands, Etana politely declined. She was unwavering in her decision to use Melissa Dunkley, a popular fashion designer. She chose a pink ensemble, that highlighted the under-represented females, in the male dominated industry of which she is a part. Etana also selected pants opposed to a dress, indicating she was just as strong as her male counterparts.

According to Etana; "I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to attend the Grammys. I accomplished my objective of making the most of the opportunity. I am thankful to my fans for their continued support, Andre Morris, Tads Records, Sharon Burke, Junior ‘Heavy-D’ Fraser, Tarrus Riley, Gramps Morgan, DJ Courtney, Jessie Adleman, Khambrel McPherson, Clive Hunt, Chevaughn as well as all the singers, musicians and engineers who made this project possible.

I applaud all the media outlets that featured me in their Grammy reviews.”

Nominated for ‘Best Reggae Album of the Year,’ Jamaican singer Etana, a.k.a. Shauna McKenzie, celebrated the occasion with a bubble-gum pink lip colour that matched her ensemble perfectly. Long, dark lashes and her gorgeous spirals completed the look.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre have announced a new young persons’ stand-up comedy project - ‘Stand Up If You Think You’re Funny’ - providing seven free 2 hour workshops to anyone aged 11-16. Throughout these workshops, participants will devise, write and rehearse their own 5 minute piece of stand-up comedy.

The workshops will happen under the guidance of actress and comedian Janice Connolly, well known for her role as Holy Mary in ‘Phoenix Nights,’ starring alongside Peter Kay. Janice is also a well-loved stand-up comedy circuit headliner as her alter-ego Mrs Barbara Nice and is a founder member of the award winning Birmingham-based theatre company; Women & Theatre and has been Artistic Director for the past 20 years. In 2017, she was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Community Arts within the West Midlands.

Grand Theatre’s James Collins said; “To be able to work with Janice to offer these workshops is just another way that we’re able to reach out to the community, especially to local young people. I’m thrilled to be able to offer them the support of one of the region’s most respected comedy perfomers, Janice Connolly, known for her work both locally and nationally across stage and screen. It will be an invaluable opportunity for anyone who takes part to learn the craft of stand-up comedy and an opportunity to perform at the theatre where so many comedians have made the city laugh.”

The workshops - commence on Saturday May 18 - will accumulate in the participants performing their own 5-minute piece of stand-up comedy in an exclusive free show for their family and friends in the Grand Theatre’s Encore Lounge, hosted by Barbara Nice.

It will run every Saturday until June 29 with the exclusive show performed on the afternoon of June 30.

A surge of support and celebration for women in film ahead of this year’s Oscars ceremony has prompted ODEON Cinemas to produce a range of ‘Osc-her’ statues.

Olivia Colman (The Favourite), Lady Gaga (A Star is Born) and Janet Gaynor (the first ever woman to win an Oscar) have been recreated as Osc-her statues and were unveiled at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square today.

The move comes as ODEON research* found that 3 in 4 Brits (75%) would like to see more women represented in the film awards show. Positively, this year has the most female Oscar nominees in history, however no females were nominated in the Best Director category.

Since the Oscars began in 1927, only 10.7 percent of all winners have been women** – the first being Janet Gaynor in 1929 for her role in the film Seventh Heaven.

The Best Actress category is dividing opinion amongst film fans with the nation’s sweetheart Olivia Colman (34%) and film industry newcomer Lady Gaga (15%) two of the top picks to win the award

Bohemian Rhapsody is the clear preference for Best Film (24%) with lead Rami Malek (25%) the people’s choice for Best Actor.

Industry veteran but first time Oscar-nominee Sam Elliot (25%) is the nation’s favourite for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Star is Born. Emma Stone (23%) and Margot Robbie (23%) are joint top choices for Best Supporting Actress for period dramas The Favourite and Mary Queen of Scots.

Carol Welch, Managing Director, ODEON UK & Ireland said: “It’s been fantastic to see such a strong line up of talented women up for award nominations this year. We’ve been treated to a fabulous set of films with The Favourite and A Star is Born as stand out highlights, so it’s no surprise to see the high hopes for Olivia Colman and Lady Gaga. We are proud to be leading this celebration of women in film and look forward to hearing the results come Oscars night.”

Nation’s Favourite for Best Actor:

1. Rami Malek - Bohemian Rhapsody (25%)
2. Bradley Cooper - A Star is Born (13%)
3. Christian Bale – Vice (10%)
4. Willem Dafoe - At Eternity’s Gate (3%)
5. Viggo Mortensen - Green Book (3%)

1. Olivia Colman - The Favourite (34%)
2. Lady Gaga - A Star Is Born (15%)
3. Glenn Close - The Wife (4%)
4. Melissa McCarthy - Can You Ever Forgive Me? (4%)
5. Yalitza Aparicio – Roma (0%)

1. Bohemian Rhapsody (24%)
2. The Favourite (16%)
3. A Star is Born (12%)
4. Black Panther (6%)
5. Green Book (3%)
6. BlacKkKlansman (2%)
7. Roma (3%)
8. Vice (1%)

Gloucester Rugby and Music Plus Sport have announce Nile Rodgers & CHIC as the next headliners in their summer season of concerts, headlining on Sunday June 9.

Announcing Olly Murs (Friday June 7) as the first headliner at the end of last year, the show soon became one of the hottest tickets in the history of Gloucester Rugby with Nile Rodgers & CHIC expecting to follow suit.

Rodgers is truly exceptional. He amplifies his legacy as a multiple GRAMMY-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist by constantly traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music.

As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like “Le Freak,” sparked the advent of hip-hop with “Good Times,” and won CHIC 11 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations. His work in the CHIC Organization and his productions for artists like David Bowie (incl. ‘Lets Dance’), Diana Ross (incl. ‘Upside Down’, ‘I’m Coming Out’) and Madonna (incl. ‘Material Girl’, ‘Like A Virgin’) have sold over 300 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk, Avicii, Sigala, Disclosure and Sam Smith reflect the vanguard of contemporary music.

Releasing their ninth studio album ‘It’s About Time’ in 2018, the release saw the band once again work the cream of the crop of the current music stars ranging from Mura Masa and Stefflon Don to Lady Gaga.

Stephen Vaughan CEO of Gloucester Rugby said; “We are delighted to announce that Nile Rodgers and Chic will be the second act performing at Kingsholm in the summer of 2019 a couple of days after Olly Murs.

Nile Rodgers is an absolute legend in the world of music. He has written, produced and performed on albums that have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Kingsholm Stadium is a unique venue which provides a special setting & atmosphere for concerts and Nile Rodgers and CHIC will put on a superb evening’s entertainment, one that we’re all really looking forward to.”

Co-Founder of promoters Music Plus Sport Simon Halden, MD said; “We are thrilled to bring the legendary Nile Rodgers & CHIC to Kingsholm Stadium for what will no doubt be a highlight of the summer alongside Olly Murs.  Gloucestershire crowds have consistently delivered a great atmosphere for the shows we put on and we know 2019 will be no different.”

Expect to hear some of the best-known pop anthems from the last four decades. With more than 200 production credits to his name, the scope of Nile Rodgers' peerless influence is undeniable.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy®-winning singer and songwriter Ozzy Osbourne has been forced to postpone the entire UK and European leg of his “NO MORE TOURS 2” tour on doctors’ orders.

This follows the announcement that Osbourne was postponing the first four dates of the tour because of the flu. After seeing his physician again, Osbourne has been diagnosed with a severe upper-respiratory infection which the doctor feels could develop into pneumonia given the physicality of the live performances and an extensive travel schedule throughout Europe in harsh winter conditions.

Statement from Ozzy “I’m completely devastated for having to postpone the European leg of my tour. It just seems that since October everything I touch has turned to shit. First the staph infection in my thumb and now coming down with the flu and bronchitis. I want to apologize to all of my fans who have been so loyal over the years, my band, my crew and to Judas Priest for letting you all down. However, I promise the tour with Judas Priest will be completed. It’s being rescheduled right now to start in September. Again, I apologize to everyone. God Bless. Love you all, Ozzy.”

A new date for the postponed Resorts World Arena show will be confirmed in due course.

Following the GRAMMY’s, where Sting and Shaggy were awarded Best Reggae Album for their collaborative UK Top Ten hit record 44/876, the pair have announced their return to the UK with ‘The 44/876 Tour.’  A series of intimate and exclusive shows will begin at London’s Camden Roundhouse this May 19th with additional dates in Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester.

2018 saw the duo bring ‘The 44/876 Tour’ to North America, South America and Eastern Europe. Hailed “one of the most anticipated concerts of the year” and “a reggae rock dance party that never lets up,” the show sees the pair collaborating on each other’s most celebrated hits such as ‘Every Breath You Take,’ ‘Englishman In New York,’ ‘Message In A Bottle,’ ‘It Wasn’t Me,’ ‘Mr. Boombastic’ and ‘Angel,’ as well as new hits from 44/876, which was awarded the 2019 GRAMMY for Best Reggae Album.

In Spring of 2018, Sting amd Shaggy made UK headlines with a memorable performance of ‘Don’t Make Me Wait’ at Queen Elizabeth’s 92nd birthday celebration at the Royal Albert Hall. The track also featured on their collaborative Top Ten album release, dubbed ‘fantastically catchy.’ The pair also performed the track live on BBC’s The One Show, and in the latest series of ‘Mrs. Browns Boys.’

2018 also saw the release of ‘Skank Up (Oh Lawd),’ a further collaboration from Sting & Shaggy that featured dancehall music sensation Ding Dong. The pair’s latest music video, ‘Gotta Get Back My Baby’ is available to watch here. 2019 will also soon see the release of the pair’s next single, ‘Just One Lifetime.’

Sting and Shaggy will be joined on The 44/876 Tour by Sting’s longtime collaborators Dominic Miller (guitar), Josh Freese (drums) and Rufus Miller (guitar), as well as Shaggy’s band members Melissa Musique (backing vocals), Gene Noble (backing vocals) and Kevon Webster (keyboards).

Enjoy a very special evening with Don Powell, the charismatic drummer of Black Country rock legends Slade!

Ably assisted by rock giant’s Poet Laureate Paul Cookson and singer/songwriter Les Glover, you can expect conversation, poetry, music, and a trip down memory lane with some exclusive insights into the music and life with arguably the best 'live' band of all time.

Born in Bilston, Powell, who started drumming on a borrowed Olympic kit as a youngster, wsa a member of the band who dominated the UK charts during the early 1970s, outperforming chart rivals such as Wizzard, Sweet, T. Rex, Suzi Quatro, Mud, Smokie, Gary Glitter, Roxy Music and David Bowie – with more singles in the UK than any other group of the 1970s. In 1973 alone, ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ sold over one million copies globally, obtaining gold disc status.

He later released his biography ‘Look Wot I Dun - My Life in Slade’ - Oh, and watch out for a world exclusive.. or two!

Join Don at The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton on Friday 18 October 2019.