Birmingham: It's Not Shit: Recent Posts

Birmingham: It's Not Shit: Recent Posts http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ B:iNS Talk en Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:30:43 +0000 rispov on "6th December, Town Hall, The Destroyers Family Event" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=22#post-113 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:48:55 +0000 rispov 113@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ The Destroyers present Paul Murphy's "Tweedeleededeedee Sir Ru Barb and the Green Wolf" an exciting show for children and musical adults. Scored by Frank Moon the music spans many genres and is simply stunning, as is the set. The story follows Sir Ru Barb (Leo Altarelli, trumpet) and Raleigh (Paul Murphy, singer) as they embark on an adventure to follow the Green Wolf (Louis Robinson, violin). Along their journey they meet strange characters... This is a fantastic show and worth £5 to see (£2.50 for under 16s) richie on "Fri 12th Dec. Tom Middleton. Rootys, Custard Factory." http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=21#post-112 Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:18:37 +0000 richie 112@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ "True eclecticism is always hard to find" Tom Middleton is a true UK dance legend. He succeeds in this status by spinning records into his DJ sets which feature 80’s electro, synth pop, hip hop, ska, goth, rock, jazz funk, soul and boogie, early Chicago acid house , Detroit techno and New York house and garage - along with oodles of classics and records that have never been heard but are instantly loved. Yes indeed, the Jedi Knight himself is coming to Rootys, ably supported by Tom Belte, Richie Rundle and Al Mackenzie. Tickets for this will go quick. Available in advance from <a href="http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/0844" rel="nofollow">www.theticketsellers.co.uk/0844</a> 870 0000 or from Rootys. £5 in advance, £8 on the night <a href="http://www.myspace.com/tommiddleton" rel="nofollow">www.myspace.com/tommiddleton</a> <a href="http://www.tommiddleton.com" rel="nofollow">www.tommiddleton.com</a> Start Time: Friday, December 12, 2008 at 9:00pm End Time: Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 4:00am Location: Rootys Street: 17 Gibb Street City/Town: Birmingham, United Kingdom Jon Bounds on "Gavin from Autowindscreens Advert" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=20#post-111 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:09:12 +0000 Jon Bounds 111@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ That, Simon, is a thrilling brush with fame ;) simonhowes on "Gavin from Autowindscreens Advert" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=20#post-110 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:02:36 +0000 simonhowes 110@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Once met someone who knows his brother. Jon Bounds on "Gavin from Autowindscreens Advert" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=20#post-109 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:41:00 +0000 Jon Bounds 109@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Got two nominations for Brummie of the year, did Gavin. Actor or real windscreen repair man? Have you had your windscreeen repaired by him? Or had your plays acted by the guy? Big Paul on "Strap on Jack / True Grit - Where are they?" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=14#post-108 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:49:06 +0000 Big Paul 108@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ That would be cool - let me know what expenses etc Cheers Paul <a href="mailto:paul@swynesgair.freeserve.co.uk">paul@swynesgair.freeserve.co.uk</a> deskjockey on "What is a Brummie?" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=19#post-107 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:38:03 +0000 deskjockey 107@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Hi all, I am currently doing some research (for my degree) into what makes a Brummie and I thought I would ask you for your opinions. Many thanks, DeskJockey. Barb on "Trying To Find" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=18#post-106 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:22:06 +0000 Barb 106@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Pam Hurford (may have married name now) LKA Pretoria Rd, Bordesley Green 60s/70s Thankyou Jon Bounds on "Tours and 'Pool of Memories' at Moseley Rd Baths Sat 1st Nov" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=17#post-105 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:20:35 +0000 Jon Bounds 105@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ "Tours of the baths will be offered at 12:30 and 2:30pm. Alternatively, visitors will be able to view the Friends’ recently launched online Virtual Tour (www.moseleyroadbaths.co.uk). In addition, local history organisations and swimming clubs will have stalls and there will be activities for children with a swimming theme." <a href="http://jon-zvmbg.posterous.com/bath-users-turn-back-the-clock">Full Press Release</a> Midge on "Strap on Jack / True Grit - Where are they?" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=14#post-104 Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:42:15 +0000 Midge 104@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ I've just bought a dedicated DVD/CD copier, i should have it in the next few week, i'd be happy to run of a couple of the live CD's and post them to you?. Big Paul on "Strap on Jack / True Grit - Where are they?" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=14#post-103 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:00:07 +0000 Big Paul 103@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ It was in response to the photos posted. I did a lot of the photography for Strap on Jack including the EP cover and the LP cover - True Grit. It brought back good memories. They were an excellent band and a good night out to see them. If it is possible to email the music - I'd be interested m8e on "Strap on Jack / True Grit - Where are they?" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=14#post-102 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:34:59 +0000 m8e 102@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ BTW, next Clarksville Mountain Band gig at the Prince of Wales will be a fortnight from now on Sunday 26th, while next week Steve Ajao's always excellent Blues Giants power trio will be there. m8e on "Strap on Jack / True Grit - Where are they?" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=14#post-101 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:57:22 +0000 m8e 101@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Clarksville Mountain Band can still be found inciting post-menopausal mosh-pits for free at the Prince of Wales on Cambridge Street of a Sunday afternoon. As they'd no doubt be the first to admit themselves - the drunker you get, the better they sound -but just so long as you don't go to see them expecting musical boundaries to be pushed, then you can only be pleasantly surprised, catnip on "New tea lounge at St Martin's" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=16#post-100 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:31:31 +0000 catnip 100@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ I am reliably informed that St Martin's in the Bullring has a new 'tea lounge', where you can get a cuppa and cake when you're in the city centre. They've even gone all modern and you can get a loyalty card stamped to get your 11th pot of tea free. Might check this out next time I'm indulging in some retail therapy, will make a nice change from being ripped off at Costabucks or wherever. Midge on "Strap on Jack / True Grit - Where are they?" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=14#post-99 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:27:52 +0000 Midge 99@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Maybe this was in response to the stuff i recently/blogged Flickr'd but they've long split up. Haldin plays for Dizzy Lizzy, Richie for Partners in Crime and Clarkesville Mountian Band, Mike has sadly vanished into thin air. I saw him some years back (Bullring opening!) and he looked like a down on his luck Hobo (he plays tin whistle) full beard and tea cosy hat!. True Grits later bass player Gary i occasionally bump into around town. see more... here <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/midge_uk/sets/72157607416263703/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/midge_uk/sets/72157607416263703/</a> <a href="http://digbethslacker.blogspot.com/2008/09/strap-on-jack-revisited.html" rel="nofollow">http://digbethslacker.blogspot.com/2008/09/strap-on-jack-revisited.html</a> I've got a CD of an couple of live gigs we taped in the early 80's if your interested. Frickin' great band Midge Jon Bounds on "7 Inch Cinema's guide to the month" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=15#post-98 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:05:14 +0000 Jon Bounds 98@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Slightly belated listings for you this month – though I suppose we always say that. For those of you new to this list, 7 Inch Cinema send out semi- regular information on things you might be interested in, mostly film- or Birmingham-related. Firstly, a wee 7inch update… WORCESTERSHIRE ON FILM We are about a third of the way through the tour, having so far visited people in Kidderminster, Redditch and Evesham and rocked their world. Next up, Tenbury Wells tonight. There is an itinerary and photo diary on the projects page: > <a href="http://www.7inch.org.uk/project/worcestershire-on-film/" rel="nofollow">http://www.7inch.org.uk/project/worcestershire-on-film/</a> THE FABULOUS ANIMATION OF WLADYSLAW STAREWICZ Sunday 26 October at the Library Theatre in B’ham Bizarre and lovely stop-frame animation from the 20s and 30s, presented by collector Dennis Nyback in association with Birmingham International Film Society. > <a href="http://www.7inch.org.uk/event/wladyslaw-starewicz/" rel="nofollow">http://www.7inch.org.uk/event/wladyslaw-starewicz/</a> …Then back at the Hare and Hounds on Sunday 30 November for archive programme HOUSEWIVES’ CHOICE, with special guests Sugarfoot Stomp. By the way, if you failed to pick up the new Pram DVD ‘Shadow Shows of the Phantascope’ at our recent launch you can now get it online: > <a href="http://www.pram.bigcartel.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.pram.bigcartel.com/</a> FLATPACK FESTIVAL 3 Yes, it is beginning to rumble on the horizon. Venues are getting fixed up, wishlists scribbled on napkins and websites rejiggled. For now, here are the dates: 11-15 March, 2009. Birmingham, UK. Hubba hubba! SO WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON? Please note that most of this has nothing to do with us. And sorry if we left out your event. Weds 8 October, 6pm at Tenbury Pump Rooms WORCESTERSHIRE ON FILM See above. > <a href="http://www.7inch.org.uk/event/worcestershire-film-tour/" rel="nofollow">http://www.7inch.org.uk/event/worcestershire-film-tour/</a> Weds 8 October, 7pm at Vivid in Digbeth ICO ESSENTIALS: PLAY First in a series of Wednesday night screenings for three selections of artists’ film put together last year. This one has terrific work by Rene Clair, George Kuchar and Martin Arnold. > <a href="http://www.vivid.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.vivid.org.uk/</a> Weds 8 October at the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath CLOTHES SWAP > <a href="http://www.hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk</a> Thursday 9 October at the Wild Building, Floodgate St in Digbeth SHAMBALA EXHIBITION LAUNCH Touring show of work produced at this summer’s festival. > <a href="http://www.jibbering.co.uk/category/events/" rel="nofollow">http://www.jibbering.co.uk/category/events/</a> Friday 10 October, 7pm at Polish Millennium House in Digbeth SEA SHANTY NIGHT Charity event featuring various Polish bands. > <a href="http://tinyurl.com/4oqwap" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/4oqwap</a> 10 October at the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath TED CHIPPINGTON Curates Egg present anti-comedian as part of Bham Comedy Festival. > <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thecuratesegg" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/thecuratesegg</a> > <a href="http://www.bhamcomfest.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhamcomfest.co.uk/</a> 10-12 October in Dundee KILL YOUR TIMID NOTION Sound/film weekender featuring Guy Sherwin, Luke Fowler and Sachiko M. > <a href="http://www.arika.org.uk/kytn/2008/" rel="nofollow">http://www.arika.org.uk/kytn/2008/</a> Sat 11 October, 11am at Warwick Arts Centre near Coventry SINATRA ON SCREEN Talk by Adrian Wootton with a screening of Some Came Running (1958). > <a href="http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/id/3924" rel="nofollow">http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/id/3924</a> Sat 11 October at Birmingham Academy BILLY OCEAN Recently downgraded to Academy 2; it appears that ‘Get Out of my Dreams’ is not packing them in like it used to. > <a href="http://www.birmingham-academy.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.birmingham-academy.co.uk</a> Monday 13 October, 6.30 at the Library theatre in Birmingham SILVERSHINE Bearwood-based documentarians the flying Walia brothers present their 1988 film on local jazz legend Andy Hamilton. Contact: <a href="mailto:info@macoymedia.co.uk">info@macoymedia.co.uk</a> Monday 13 October at the Rainbow in Digbeth GRADS ON WALLS Latest event from Animation Forum WM, > <a href="http://www.animationforumwm.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.animationforumwm.com</a> 15-30 October in London LONDON FILM FESTIVAL > <a href="http://www.bfi.org.uk/lff/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bfi.org.uk/lff/</a> Friday 17 October, 6.30 at Warwick Arts Centre nr Coventry FAINTHEART + Q&A Director Vito Rocco presents a new Brit comedy, assembled via mySpace. > <a href="http://www.myspace.com/faintheartthemovie" rel="nofollow">www.myspace.com/faintheartthemovie</a> Friday 17 October at Stand Assembly in Nottingham ANNEXINEMA Fourth in a series of occasional film/art gatherings. > <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6691908319" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6691908319</a> 17-19 October at the Custard Factory in Digbeth FILM DASH 48-hour film challenge, with the winning film to be shown at Hello Digital (see below). > <a href="http://filmdash.wordpress.com/newsblog/" rel="nofollow">http://filmdash.wordpress.com/newsblog/</a> Saturday 18 October at the Regal, Tenbury Wells THE CAMERAMAN One of the places we’ve discovered on our Worcs tour is this community-run cinema, which has a Buster Keaton classic with live piano this month. > <a href="http://regaltenbury.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://regaltenbury.co.uk</a> Sunday 19 October at Compton Verney in Warks FREAKS Early cinema and fairground specialist Vanessa Toulmin introduces Tod Browning’s amazing 1932 film, to complement the Jack B. Yeats circus art exhibition. > <a href="http://www.comptonverney.org.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.comptonverney.org.uk</a> 23-26 October in Birmingham and Hereford HELLO DIGITAL A weekend of events and screenings around new technology. Includes expo at Millennium Point, a new animated film about Birmingham fontmaster John Baskerville and a series of 4talent sessions on online film and gaming. > <a href="http://www.hellodigital.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellodigital.net</a> til 24 October in Birmingham BIRMINGHAM BOOK FESTIVAL Including Mark Thomas, Will Self and Carol Ann Duffy. > <a href="http://www.birminghambookfestival.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.birminghambookfestival.org</a> Friday 24 October at the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath SUGARFOOT STOMP The first in a swarm of Halloween specials. > <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thesugarfootstomp" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/thesugarfootstomp</a> Sunday 26 October, 7pm at the Odeon New St INTO THE LIGHT To close out Hello Digital, a celebration of the largely analogue Birmingham-born producer Michael Balcon. As well as overseeing Hitchcock’s UK films and the growth of Ealing Studios, Balcon was responsible for establishing the Experimental Film Fund. The evening will include a screening of Ealing comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets. > <a href="http://tinyurl.com/52zp52" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/52zp52</a> Sunday 26 October, 7.30 at the library theatre in Birmingham THE FABULOUS ANIMATION OF WLADYSLAW STAREWICZ > <a href="http://www.7inch.org.uk/event/wladyslaw-starewicz/" rel="nofollow">http://www.7inch.org.uk/event/wladyslaw-starewicz/</a> Weds 29 October at Birmingham library theatre LOCAL SHORTS CLUB Halloween special. > <a href="http://www.screenwm.co.uk/events/detail/24/local_shorts_film_club/" rel="nofollow">http://www.screenwm.co.uk/events/detail/24/local_shorts_film_club/</a> Friday 31 October, 7.30 at Birmingham Town Hall NOSFERATU Murnau classic with live accompaniment by Nigel Ogden. > <a href="http://www.thsh.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.thsh.co.uk</a> 31 October at Vivid in Digbeth 24-HOUR PSYCHO Douglas Gordon all-nighter. > <a href="http://www.vivid.org.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.vivid.org.uk</a> Saturday 1 November at Space2, the Custard Factory in Digbeth RELEASE THE BATS ATP/Capsule extravaganza featuring Shellac, Lightning Bolt, OM and plenty more. > <a href="http://www.capsule.org.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.capsule.org.uk</a> Saturday 1 November at the Edge, Cheapside in Digbeth OUTER SIGHT Halloween edition of the cinematic speakeasy. For updates text OUTERSIGHT to 07887 956 297. 6-8 November at the Light House in Wolverhampton FLIP ANIMATION FESTIVAL Featuring Blu, animated Doctor Who, the mighty Osbert Parker and Nina Paley’s first feature which sounds fab. > <a href="http://www.flipfestival.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flipfestival.co.uk/</a> (Flip are currently seeking volunteers; write to <a href="mailto:alice@light-house.co.uk">alice@light-house.co.uk</a> if you’re interested.) Tuesday 11 November, around Birmingham 11 – 11 – 11 Spend the day blogging your way around the Outer Circle… > <a href="http://elevenbus.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://elevenbus.co.uk/</a> Tuesday 11 November at Warwick Arts Centre NOSFERATU More Murnau, this time with the Matthew Eaton/Grandmaster Gareth score performed at Supersonic in July. (Sunrise next please!) > <a href="http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/id/3868" rel="nofollow">http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/id/3868</a> til 16 November at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham MARTIN CREED Big UK retrospective for the minimalist japester. > <a href="http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/</a> > <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2008/sep/27/art.martin.creed" rel="nofollow">http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2008/sep/27/art.martin.creed</a> til 11 January at the Herbert in Coventry KINOPIXEL Screen-based installation spanning thirty years of artists’ film. > <a href="http://www.kinopixel.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.kinopixel.co.uk/</a> Russ L’s listings are always worth a look too: > <a href="http://russl.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">http://russl.wordpress.com/</a> CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival Deadline: 15 October > <a href="http://www.clermont-filmfest.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.clermont-filmfest.com</a> London Short Film Festival Deadline: 24 October > <a href="http://www.shortfilms.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.shortfilms.org.uk/</a> A FEW FILMS SHOWING AT THE MOMENT PERSEPOLIS (Dir Marianne Satrapi) For those who haven’t caught up with it yet. 8/9 October at Warwick Arts Centre > <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3PXHeKuBzPY" rel="nofollow">http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3PXHeKuBzPY</a> GOMORRAH (Dir: Matteo Garrone) Brutal gangster tale set in Naples. 10-16 October at Cineworld Broad St > <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wk8KeeZcQYc" rel="nofollow">http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wk8KeeZcQYc</a> JAR CITY (Dir: Baltasur Kormakur) Icelandic noir. 10-16 October at the Electric in Birmingham > <a href="http://uk.filmtrailer.com/trailer/1319/Jar+City.html" rel="nofollow">http://uk.filmtrailer.com/trailer/1319/Jar+City.html</a> KILLER OF SHEEP (Dir: Charles Burnett) Long-lost classic from the LA ghettoes. 16 October at Ludlow Assembly Rooms > <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd0ZkEuXhes" rel="nofollow">http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd0ZkEuXhes</a> THE FALL (Dir: Tarsem Singh) Elaborate labour of love by music video whiz. 17-21 October at Wolverhampton Light House > <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LaoxB-eLHQ8" rel="nofollow">http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LaoxB-eLHQ8</a> SARAGOSSA MANUSCRIPT (Dir: Wojciech Has) Psychedelic Polish epic from 1965, with Penderecki score. 23 October at Bham Film Society, library theatre > <a href="http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/27/saragossa.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/27/saragossa.html</a> Maybe at some point… FEAR[S] OF THE DARK > <a href="http://www.fearsofthedarkmovie.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.fearsofthedarkmovie.com/</a> And 31 October is a good day for new British cinema: OF TIME AND THE CITY (Dir: Terence Davies) > <a href="http://www.oftimeandthecity.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.oftimeandthecity.com/</a> HUNGER (Dir: Steve McQueen) > <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dmVPCX0LxN8" rel="nofollow">http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dmVPCX0LxN8</a> PS: in case you were wondering, no rich nutters materialised. Kings Heath bingo hall has been snapped up by a supermarket chain. >>>>> Big Paul on "Strap on Jack / True Grit - Where are they?" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=14#post-97 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:59:15 +0000 Big Paul 97@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Where are they now? Are they still together or dis-banded? Where is Mike Hayes, Richie and Haldin? Can you help? Russ L on "Birmingham Book Festival 2008" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=13#post-96 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:59:31 +0000 Russ L 96@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ He should be admired for getting around your legendary persistance. m8e on "Birmingham Book Festival 2008" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=13#post-95 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:12:25 +0000 m8e 95@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ No, my complaint about him is that he didn't even deign to speak to me at all. Russ L on "Birmingham Book Festival 2008" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=13#post-94 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:18:45 +0000 Russ L 94@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ I often speak to you like that. You don't single me out for it. m8e on "Birmingham Book Festival 2008" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=13#post-93 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:04:44 +0000 m8e 93@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Last time I encountered Will Self was several years ago at a book festival in London, where he gave what turned out to be a somewhat mundane and uninspired talk on the subject of literature and drugs. At the end of it I went up to him and presented him with a copy of my writings concerning my experiences with nitrous oxide and ketamine, which, without a single word of acknowledgment, he just grumpily stuffed inside his shoulder bag, before disdainfully brushing me aside on his way out. OK, so writers at his level of celebrity probably get unsolicited manuscripts foisted on them all the time, to the extent that it constitutes something of an occupational hazard for them - but I still don't think that excuses such an off-hand and bad mannered lack of common courtesy. m8e on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-92 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:55:46 +0000 m8e 92@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Personal ArtsFest highlights - Stan's Cafe, Of All the People in All the World - a wonderfully pure and simple concept, realized to devastating effect. Genuinely mind-expanding, it should be made compulsory viewing for all the world's politicians. Willard Wigan - meticulously crafted sculpture on the scale of a speck of dust. The guy looking through the microscope at the first sculpture before me pretty much summed it up with his astonished exclamation of - "No way, man! Just no fucking way!" Willard himself was on hand to talk about his work, which apparently all began with him crafting items of "ant furniture" from wood splinters. That famous line by William Blake about seeing "a world in a grain of sand" kept coming to mind. Kimmy Sue Ann, chav queen of poets - when she first came on I just thought she was going to be a Catherine Tate rip-off, but she really has a way with words, exhibiting a razor-sharp intellect and love of language behind her garishly grotesque make-up. Various bands at the Flapper on Sunday - guitar-based rock music is not dead, it just smells a bit funny. Though I've long regarded rock music as just being sooo last century darling, when experienced up close and personal in a dark and crowded basement after a few pints of lager, it can still hit the spot. Middle-aged punks Dead Jeff in particular had an engaging retro-primitivist charm about them. The one thing I really missed this year, however, was the Caribbean goat curry and jerk chicken wagon. What's happened to it? m8e on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-91 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:26:35 +0000 m8e 91@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ continued... Anyway, never mind ArtsFest - there will be a major drum & bass night at the Rainbow Warehouse on Friday 12th, featuring The Sect, Dom and Roland, Blame, PCM, Reaction, and Freenote b2b with Tek Prime. Would still have been nice to have seen a taster of this kind of thing being given free to the general populace in Centenary Square though. m8e on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-90 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:35:01 +0000 m8e 90@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Have Monday Session played the Yardbird yet? Only that's the major Brum venue for soul/funk bands these days. As for the music at ArtsFest in general this year, I see that just about all genres are represented to some extent, with the one notable exception (to me at least) of drum & bass. This is a major omission, as d & b is going through something of a creative resurgence these days, with some amazingly intense cyber-voodoo, tech-metal style d & b coming out of Russia and Eastern Europe right now. Why am I never consulted on these matters? spripingule on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-89 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:29:42 +0000 spripingule 89@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ One of the best kept secrets of Artsfest is that Monday Session, THe best soul and funk band in Brum, ar playing the Victoria Square stage at 5.30 on Saturday. All original stuff, written by the band and performed by three of the best voices to sing the genre backed by superb musicians. Unsigned as ye, catch them before they go stellar so that you can say yo were there. See you Saturday! Jon Bounds on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-88 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:39:45 +0000 Jon Bounds 88@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Got the programme today, A5, fairly clear - 100% improvement on last year. m8e on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-87 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:45:22 +0000 m8e 87@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Best event I've ever seen at an Artsfest so far was when the Godskitchen DJs played a euphoric trance set in Centenary Square. Admittedly my appreciation of the event was no doubt enhanced by the magic mushrooms I'd taken, but even so, it was still undeniably wonderful to see such a diverse range of people all dancing together as one. In fact it seemed like there were people from just about every race, class, subculture, and age group in the whole of Birmingham dancing there. One city under a four-to-the-floor groove. In particular I remember watching groups of posh-looking people in evening dress being drawn into the event as they were comng out of a classical concert at Symphony Hall, while a certain middle-aged woman I know was dancing so hard that she did her back in and had to be removed from the square in a wheelchair. So yes, some more of that sort of stuff please - and don't suddenly cut the power off at midnight next time. Jon Bounds on "Birmingham Book Festival 2008" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=13#post-86 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:57:51 +0000 Jon Bounds 86@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Ooohh Self Self Self. cheers Russ Russ L on "Birmingham Book Festival 2008" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=13#post-85 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:29:59 +0000 Russ L 85@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ <a href="http://www.birminghambookfestival.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=eventlist&Itemid=56">There's a line-up, by God</a>. I'm thinking Mark Thomas/Will Self/Carol Ann Duffy for me, but we'll see. Jon Bounds on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-84 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:14:24 +0000 Jon Bounds 84@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Town Hall Press Release: Town Hall on Friday 12 September (8pm) the freshest musical talent from around the West Midlands converges on the iconic landmark for a night of beats, bass, brass and dancing, with a DJ set from Manga (Shaanti, Funkshaan), hip-hop and nu-jazz from Associate Artist Soweto Kinch plus performances courtesy of funky homegrown band The Sub Ensemble and sleek new group Maylight featuring Mary Wakelam, Lizzy Parks and Chris Read. ...an afternoon of swing jazz, spiritual gospel, inspirational soul and uplifting choral music on Saturday 13 September, Meet the Associates is a unique opportunity to experience free performances from the BBC Big Band, Black Voices and Ex-Cathedra from 1pm - 5pm. Highly regarded for their accessible and friendly approach to classical programmes, Stratford-based Town Hall Associate Artist Orchestra of the Swan perform a wonderful hour of music between 2pm and 3pm on Sunday 14 September as part of Open Hall! A children's heritage trail, organ demonstrations and a prize draw will also be on offer from 1pm - 5pm on Sunday 14 September, as well as a chance to explore a brand new exhibition of paintings, photos, prints and posters which celebrates the concert hall's place at the heart of Birmingham life from its opening in 1834 to the successful re-opening in October 2007. catnip on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-83 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:40:27 +0000 catnip 83@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ I'm going to try and hire a Dhol for Dholfest. I'd better get a move on tho, because apparently they send you a CD and DVD to learn the rhythm. I've never played one before so will need a bit of practise! Jon Bounds on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-82 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:23:59 +0000 Jon Bounds 82@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Apparently you have to have your own dhol to take part in <a href="http://www.dholfest.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60">dholfest</a>, which is a bit disappointing. Russ L on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-81 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:01:36 +0000 Russ L 81@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Chris Unitt is the don dadda as ever, and <a href="http://www.createdinbirmingham.com/2008/08/27/artsfest-2008-a-pre-emptive-rummage/">posts some info over at CIB</a>. catnip on "Island House" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=12#post-80 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:20:08 +0000 catnip 80@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ Does anyone know what's going on with Island House (near Masshouse)? It's the really nice old building with the cool dandelion clock artwork on it and the colourful glass. Is it still used by Gallery 37? I walked past there the other day and it was looking decidedly worse for wear. It's covered in rubbish tags around the top and elsewhere and quite a few of the windows are boarded up. I had a peek in through the windows that I could reach and the rooms were totally empty. Gravy Hole on "Artsfest 2008 - what's on" http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/topic.php?id=10#post-79 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:10:13 +0000 Gravy Hole 79@http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/talk/ The Levellers are twats, I saw them last year. They were so full of their own self-importance and keen to tell folk how to conduct themselves, they make Bono look like a shy retiring type. Music's not all that either.