Somewhere you should go… Sundance London Film and Music Festival 2013
The appearance of a great variety of extinguished guests, from trip hop pioneer Tricky to HRH The Prince of Wales was one of the many things that made last year’s Sundance London such an absolute joy. Now as the film and music festival returns to the O2, will it be able to offer once again a highly eclectic and diverse audio-visual experience?
The film section of the festival does include a stellar line up of films (fiction, documentaries and short films) that left the best of impressions at the latest Sundance film festival. A case in point is Mud. It’s directed by Jeff Nichols (Shotgun Stories, Take Shelter), a filmmaker who may be the most interesting new voice in the American independent cinema, and stars Matthew McConaughey, who had a brilliant year ever since he decided to move away from romcoms and prove his acting chops in more demanding projects. The story has the unparalleled enchantment of a fable as two teenage boys try to reunite a charismatic outlaw with his true love, so it’s no wonder the film has received high praise by the critics. Another critics’ darling, Michael Winterbottom, will be present at the festival to present his latest film The Look of Love, a flamboyant biopic of the notorious “king of Soho” Paul Raymond. The fact that Raymond is played by Steve Coogan should be worth the admission fee alone.
Moving on to the documentaries, Blood Brother presents the inspiring story of Rocky Braat who after meeting a group of children with HIV in India, decides to stay there and restart his life dedicating himself to the well-being of those children. Having won both the audience award and the grand jury prize at Sundance, the film will undoubtedly be a life affirming experience. For thrill seekers, there is The Summit that uses found footage as well as realistic re-enactments to convey to the viewer the breath taking experience of climbing K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth. In August 2008, 18 out of 24 climbers reached the summit of K2. 28 hours later, 11 people were dead. Up to this day we do not know what exactly happened on that fateful date.
The music section of this year’s festival offers a far more joyful but equally electrifying experience. History Of The Eagles Part One showcases not only the defining tunes but also the stormy conflicts between the members of this classic band. Members of The Eagles will do an extended Q&A session after the screening of the film to shine more light on their fascinating story. Another American legend, Gregg Allman (of The Allman Brothers Band), will be joined by John Paul White (of The Civil Wars), to present Muscle Shoals, a documentary about the glorious “Muscle Shoals sound”, featuring interviews with Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Alicia Keys. They’ll also be performing an intimate acoustic 45 minute live performance. Last but certainly not least, the sui-generis Merrill Beth Nisker aka Peaches will grace the festival with her presence not just delivering one of her characteristic ferocious gigs but also presenting her first feature, aptly entitled Peaches Does Herself, an electro rock opera about her affair with a beautiful she-male.With a programme then that includes a bit of everything, it’s clear the second ever Sundance London will surpass the already high expectations. (Words: Apostolos Kostoulas)
Sundance London Film and Music Festival 2013 will take place at the O2 from April 25-28. For further information visit: www.sundance-london.com
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http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/music/what-weve-been-up-to-speed-listening-by-the-note-well/
What we’ve been up to… Speed Listening by The Note Well
‘This is not speed dating!’ yells the excitement-inducing message on Facebook. ‘This is about friendship!’
‘OK then!’ I yell back at my computer screen, convinced I’m on my way to meeting my next BFF at this unusual music event. For the last couple of years, the self-described “music friendship project” has encouraged musical exchanges between Londoners as an quirky way to socialise in the city. Intrigued, I arrive at The White House Pub in Shoreditch a few days later, and immediately start to overheat (I’m wearing too many layers including my thickest T-shirt and my cosiest hoody. It’s a blinkin cold night).
I am greeted at the door downstairs by a man who offers me splendid homemade Guinness-and-chocolate cake. I comment on its moistness which, as an old friend once said to me, is the highest compliment you can give a cake. So how does this all work then? I ask. H tells me you plug your headphones into each others’ players, listen… and maybe make friends. I’mmarked with a blue cross and told I will be in the inside of the circle. part of the group doing the moving. Alice, la femme in charge, introduces herself, we share a bourbon, then we’re off.
There are about twenty-five, thirty people – it’s certainly a cosy event, and it all goes off rather nicely in the bijou surrounds and considerate lighting. As for the way it works, each time you form a new pairing you have seven minutes to ascertain your partner’s taste and play something you equally recommend, like aural sommeliers. As you might expect, each musical tryst varies in its intrigue and compatibility. Sometimes you feel as though you’ve got to endure your partner’s playlist, other times you’re just getting into it before it’s time to abruptly rotate.
I turn up with the first iPod ever made, telling people I like repetitive Kraut-inflected psychedelia – cue a few blank looks. During one of my rounds, the chap I’m talking to, a composer, takes his ears out. ‘This is awful’, he says. My next mini-epoch is with a young woman who has no power in her player, so she’s forced to listens to my recommendations. When I speak, she removes her earpiece, yells ‘what was that?’ ‘Never mind’ I say. She seems to like it.
What I take from the evening is that I should listen to old Fleetwood Mac, most people like music with beats, The Death Grips and Scorn are a bands I now like and I doubt I have converted anyone to my msucial tastes. But I’ve certainly discovered some new music to investigate further, which makes this a fine little foray for a Thursday evening. (Words: Ed Spencer)
Speed Listening takes place every third Thursday until June. The next event is on March 21st, but for more info visit: www.thenotewell.com
Something you should see… Feast at the Young Vic
The month of January can be quite depressing after all the Christmas excess. Money is tight, daylight is still short, it’s cold (!), resolutions are made (and broken)… need I go on?
Well a new production at London’s Young Vic theatre is offering a bit of winter cheer. Directed by Rufus Norris, Feast celebrates Yoruba culture and religion in a journey from West Africa via the Americas to contemporary London through the adventures of three sisters. With choreography from George Cespedes of Contemporanea de Cuba fame and live music, this ambitious production promises something quite spectacular for audiences.
Pic: Richard Hubert Smith
Actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith returns to the Young Vic for the production – playing the trickster god Esu and is joined by Olivier Award-winning actress Noma Dumezweni.
For this co-production with the Royal Court, Rufus Norris worked with playwrights from five countries where Yoruba traditions have influenced contemporary life. Included in this collaborative effort are Brazilian Marcos Barbosa, American Tanya Barfield, Rotimi Babatunde of Nigeria, Cuban Yunior Garcia Aguilera and Brit Gbolahan Obisesan. Norris is no stranger to the African continent, having spent quite a few childhood years in Nigeria when his civil servant father was posted to Africa.
Pic: Richard Hubert Smith
Anyone familiar with the work of Norris will know he has directed a host of critically acclaimed shows including Cabaret, London Road and an adaptation of DBC Pierre’s novel Vernon God Little. So, here’s a theatre director with some versatility who’s spoken of taking the audience on a journey with Feast. The show’s promotional tagline is Feed your spirit, Free yourself – and that sounds quite good for January. (Words: Eri Otite)
Feast is showing at the Young Vic from 25 January – 23 February. For more info, visit www.youngvic.org
Something you should see… Feast at the Young Vic
The month of January can be quite depressing after all the Christmas excess. Money is tight, daylight is still short, it’s cold (!), resolutions are made (and broken)… need I go on?
Well a new production at London’s Young Vic theatre is offering a bit of winter cheer. Directed by Rufus Norris, Feast celebrates Yoruba culture and religion in a journey from West Africa via the Americas to contemporary London through the adventures of three sisters. With choreography from George Cespedes of Contemporanea de Cuba fame and live music, this ambitious production promises something quite spectacular for audiences.Pic: Richard Hubert Smith
Actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith returns to the Young Vic for the production – playing the trickster god Esu and is joined by Olivier Award-winning actress Noma Dumezweni.
For this co-production with the Royal Court, Rufus Norris worked with playwrights from five countries where Yoruba traditions have influenced contemporary life. Included in this collaborative effort are Brazilian Marcos Barbosa, American Tanya Barfield, Rotimi Babatunde of Nigeria, Cuban Yunior Garcia Aguilera and Brit Gbolahan Obisesan. Norris is no stranger to the African continent, having spent quite a few childhood years in Nigeria when his civil servant father was posted to Africa.Pic: Richard Hubert Smith
Anyone familiar with the work of Norris will know he has directed a host of critically acclaimed shows including Cabaret, London Road and an adaptation of DBC Pierre’s novel Vernon God Little. So, here’s a theatre director with some versatility who’s spoken of taking the audience on a journey with Feast. The show’s promotional tagline is Feed your spirit, Free yourself – and that sounds quite good for January. (Words: Eri Otite)
Feast is showing at the Young Vic from 25 January – 23 February. For more info, visit www.youngvic.org
http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/somewhere-you-should-go-afrovibes-festival-2012/
Somewhere you should go… Afrovibes Festival 2012
October seems to be rivalling the summer months for arts festivals this year, with what seems like a dozen film festivals, a restaurant festival and photography festival taking place this month – but if you want to get all of your culture fixes in one place, there’s only one place to go – the Afrovibes festival in South and East London.
This Dutch festival celebrating all things South African, comes to London, before touring around the rest of the UK – and it seems fitting that the migratory event is happening during Black History Month. Taking place at Stratford Circus and The Albany in Deptford, the aim is to show something of contemporary SA beyond a reputation for crime and a predilection for vuvuzelas. The centre of the action will be at the Township Café, where you’ll find an eclectic and thought-provoking roster of activities. There’ll be new music from Soweto Kinch and the Sibikwa African Orchestra, several South African plays showing fresh from the Edinburgh festival (plus the opportunity to meet the cast and crew afterwards), as well as a photography exhibition focusing on the legacy of apartheid. Also on offer throughout the week is a smorgasbord in the way of authentic food, short films, poetry, dance, pre-show talks and late night debates. So whatever your cultural bag, you’re sure to find something to take your fancy. (Words: Jane Duru)
The Afrovibes Festival runs until October 7th at The Albany, Douglas Way Deptford, SE8 4AG and Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, E15 1BX. For more info, visit www.afrovibes2012.co.uk
The final bank holiday weekend of the summer can mean only one thing in London… it’s carnival time! So don the feathers, loosen those hips, and grab that whistle to enjoy two days of West-Indian style partying in the heart of West London’s Ladbroke Grove. Yes, we know it’s crowded and challenging to get to if you’re not in that neck of the woods, but Notting Hill Carnival is THE essential bank holiday activity in the capital – and once you’re there with the throngs of people drinking a can of Red Stripe and a portion of jerk chicken, the trauma of arriving will be a distant memory, guaranteed!
The carnival weekend, running over two days, is dominated by the carnival parade, 40 sound systems and BBQs serving up charred delights. The two day event runs over Sunday - ‘Family Day’- and Monday, a more adult affair, although the fun happens throughout both. As always the parade is a fiesta of colour and dancing. Sound systems old and new to look out for this year include:
- The Flavour Magazine soundstage - featuring tunes from the late great Bob Marley and special guest performers (Westbourne Park station - Tavistock Road and junction with Lemington Spa Villas)
- KCC and the Rocking Crew - for the latest US house offerings (Wornington Rd)
- Channel One for some deep rockers reggae (Junction of Westbourne Park Rd and Leamington Villas Rd)
- Gaz’s Rockin Blues (a stalwart since the 70s) for ska, rock and punk (Outside 103 Talbot Rd)
- Sancho Panza if you fancy funky house and disco (Corner of Kensal Rd and Alderson St)
- The Fun Bunch - in honour of the late DJ Swing, expect some quality R&B, hip-hop, boogie and garage (Junction of Talbot Rd and Sutherland Place)
- Norman Jay’s Good Times - It returns this year, promising exactly what it says on the tin (West Row off Kensal Road)
- Latin Rave Street Jam - always fun to get those salsa moves down with random strangers! (Outside 318 Portobello Rd) (Full list of Soundsystems can be found here…)
Buy food from the family BBQ at the side of the road and beers from anyone passing with a shopping trolley full. Although the largest street party in Europe, people have worked hard to keep carnival a local, community affair - so let’s try and keep it that way. (Words: Laura Thornley)
Check out our photogallery of Notting Hill Carnival 2011, just here…
Carnival Tips
Here’s a few tips to ensure you have a wonderful and safe time if you’re heading to the carnival over the Bank Holiday:
1) Travel light - it gets extremely crowded along the various roads at carnival and it’s easy for pickpockets to have a field day. Keep bags zipped up and as close to your body as possible; avoid backpacks.
2) Carry cash - it’s rare to find a cash machine (or anyone who’ll take cards!) so it’s best to be prepared.
3) Wear comfortable shoes - you WILL do alot of walking.
4) Bring your own snacks and drinks - there’s no rule that says you can’t ;-)
5) Expect to pay up to £2 to use a toilet.
6) Carry tissues and spare loo roll as it’s likely most places will run out quickly.
7) Catch the procession if you can, then find a decent soundsystem and spend the day there (this year we recommend King Tubby, Latin Rave Street Jam and Music is Sound-system); as mentioned, it gets ridiculously crowded (especially along the procession route), so once you’ve got your snaps of costumed revellers, chill out at one of the many soundsystems - click here to see a map of where you can find them.
8) Watch what you eat. You’ll pay up to a tenner for a meal and a drink (but snacks like donuts and ‘festivals’ (fried dumplings) aren’t really marked up and can be a good filler if you don’t want to spend £20 on lunch and dinner throughout the day). Also, if you’re going for jerk chicken, make sure it’s cooked thoroughly.
9) Head to Ladbroke Grove to catch the “real” carnival. Tourists rarely make it beyond the Westway, but if you do, expect to experience a more community-vibe on the route to Kensal Road (and cheaper jerk chicken!).
10) Don’t forget your whistle or horn. You can buy them at the carnival, but it’ll cost you plenty.
11) Get to Westbourne Park station earlier than later when you’re leaving. Unfortunately, this is the station near the “backend” of the carnival - but there’s a terrible bottleneck which is being manned by police and it’ll take you ages to get through. If you’re leaving late, it’s worth walking back to Notting Hill Gate/Ladbroke Grove.
If you have any more tips, feel free to share them via Twitter or on our Facebook page - otherwise, have a good one!
For more info, visit www.thenottinghillcarnival.com
With the summer days almost over and the melancholic autumn breeze slowly creeping in, you might find yourself more inclined to just chill and watch a decent flick two. Well, the good folks at Sugarhouse Studios have been kind enough to offer an eccentrically joyful mix of sounds, images (and puppets!) to help you do just that.
Widely regarded as one of the best rock movies ever made, Stop Making Sense (directed by Jonathan Demme, who went on to win an Oscar for The Silence of the Lambs) follows the innovative American New Wave band Talking Heads for three nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December 1983 as part of their tour to promote their album Speaking in Tongues. Captured in a straightforward manner, the film is a visual and aural feast from beginning till the end.
Those of you unaware of the genius that is David Byrne and his band mates, brace yourself because you’re in for a treat. As for the loyal fans, this interactive film experience will give them a chance to try and come with even more eccentric clothes than the ones wore by the group and imitate the otherworldly dance moves of Mr Byrne. Part of the Scala Beyond film season. (Words: Apostolos Kostoulas)
Sugarhouse Studios and Assemble present STOP MAKING SENSE takes place on Saturday 25 August at Sugarhouse Studios. For more information visit www.sugarhousestudios.co.uk/stop-making-sense
As you may have noticed from the Olympic opening ceremony, London is pretty proud of its music scene. The city often acts as an intersection between the many cultures that find themselves here; the fusion and production of new sounds. If you want to see this in practice here’s something that might just embody that idea - the KKC Orchestra. The sound is described as “Incredible French Django Rheinhardt style gypsy swing goes Hip Hop” (but between me and you let’s just call it very cool-sounding electro swing). Performing this weekend at the Exhibition Road Show, the diversely trained quartet may not be homegrown, but their experimental style epitomises the musical vibe Londoners live for.
The musicians met in Toulouse and spent their days in flat 74 in the cite d’Empalot, fine tuning their sounds; no easy feat considering their diverse backgrounds. The female pianist is classically trained, the guitarist from a swing background; the vocalist, a Hip-Hop rapper and the DJ has a love for Drum and Bass. Their style is unique and fresh and irresistible for anyone who likes to dance. The wider festival presents other culturally exciting performances from experimental music to choreographed street performances; all taking place in the culturally rich area of Kensington’s Exhibition Road until August 5th. Sounds like the perfect way to spend the weekend to us! (Words: Laura Thornley)
For more info, visit www.exhibitionroadshow.co.uk
As they say in the US, “game recognises game” - and hip-hoppers rarely hesitate to bestow honour upon its pioneers for teaching those next in line a thing or two - and the new kids who are doing it so well. So there’s moments tonight when, despite being age-mates, Public Enemy’s venerable Chuck D pays tribute to the legendary Melle Mel, calling him “teacher” (“You snatched the pedal out of my hand son!” Mel shouts back, beaming). Later, the PE frontman nods like a proud dad as he watches fellow New Yorker Raekwon take his turn on the mike - and when the latter introduces “the man of the hour, my brother, your brother” Ice-T, you can’t help notice the smallest gesture of respect. They’re an unlikely quartet, each representing a unique period in the genre’s chequered evolution - but they show that when hip-hop comes together in one accord, it’s a beautiful family affair.
On the surface of it, this brief 45-minute gig is just a plug for Ice T’s new hip-hop memorial Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, but it has its merits. They’re all zealous ambassadors for the part they’ve played in the scenes 30-odd year story, with Melle Mel’s being the pimp of the party, rocking the hat and suit to match. As the first act of the night, he starts us off with the obligatory call and response, before energetically laying into his famous hit The Message then skilfully reeling off the opening lines from songs by Kurtis Blow, Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock and even Naughty By Nature. He then finishes off with a snippet of his guest spot on Grandmaster Flash’s White Lines before demanding the hyped crowd to say “yeeeeeeeeeeea!”.
He’s followed by Chuck D - who as the political elder statesman always makes Fight The Power sound relevant, and delivers new song I Shall Not Be Moved, a vitriol targeted at the present state of society. He’s more of a languid performer Chuck, so when Wu Tang’s Raekwon bounds onto the stage 10mins later, with a surprise appearance from his colleague Ghostface Killah, it feels like the crowd is treated to a mini-concert, and roars their appreciation accordingly. A performance of C.R.E.A.M by the younger pair is the riotous centrepiece of the night - that is, until Ice-T steps onto the stage near the end of the proceedings, with a set which proves he’s still as gangsta as he was in the 90s. When he raps “I’m an old school nigga, graying hair…still have you killed from a wheelchair”, you can’t help but believe him. By the end, we’re treated to a surprise performance from the UK’s Hijack - a Brixton MC from back in the day - and a new song from Ice-T, making tonight feel like one of those proud reunions that should happen in hip-hop more often - and hopefully off the back of his new doc, they will.
Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap is out in selected UK cinemas today.
