What I've been getting up to in Belfast..
Belfast FASHIONWEEK
Spring has Sprung!
We welcomed back Belfast Fashionweek with their new Spring/Summer styles for 2011 last week. I caught up with Danielle Hibbert just before the opening night of BFW to get some style tips for The Culture Show listeners. Danielle ensured me that "this season is all about colour, fun and glamour".
The seasonal showcase took place in the fantastic, uber cool surroundings of Victoria Square car park. Hugh Black (Centre Manager of Vic Sq) opened the show welcoming all Belfast fashionistas to enjoy the array of fashion on display from all the top stores of Victoria Square. Orange, lime green, fuchsia pink and lemon flooded the catwalk with the coolest styles for this spring/summer. Bell-bottom trousers, flares, maxi dresses, crop tops and the return of jumpsuits are all the must haves. If you're liking the sound of that and want to spice up your wardrobe then get down to Urban Outfitters, H&M, Tommy Hilfiger, Ted Baker, Cruise (if you're feeling flush) and many more stylish shops, all located in Victoria Square.
A brilliantly stylish night enjoyed by all who attended. The icing on the cake for me was the equally brilliant after-party in The Ivory Restaurant Bar with delicious canapés and champagne - its such a hard life ;)
Congratulations to all involved in BFW & a special thanks to Cathy, Danielle & Megan of CMPR.
Remus Uomo
Victoria Square, Belfast
Keeping with the fashion theme, a quick mention to my favourite shop at the moment.
Remus Uomo in Victoria Square brings you the slickest styles for this season with affordable prices. If you're looking something special or something casual Remus Uomo is the place to be.
With amazing service, competitive pricing and ultra cool style, there is no reason why you wouldn't be wearing Remus this spring/summer. Barry, Ross and all the boys will be sure to leave you looking stylish this season.
Adam Devenney
LIVE on QR
A good friend of mine, Adam Devenney joined me on The Culture Show - Queens Radio a few weeks ago to talk about everything music in Belfast, his inspiration to get into music and kindly treated us to a few tracks of his new EP, which he is currently recording. His session in the studio with me is available on YouTube and on the shows' Facebook page.
He recently supported 'EatenbyBears' at Auntie Annies. Big things are happening for this young musician and we wish him all the best in the future.
Foy Vance
I caught up with one of my all time favourite artists about a month ago before his sell out gig at The Empire Music Hall in Belfast. Foy was over for the Belfast/Nashville Singer Songwriter Festival. He played to two sell out concerts in the Empire & Madisson's Hotel. We talked about his trips home, his work in America, drinking Guinness and breaking up and his next studio album. Check out our interview on my SoundCloud page - available on The Culture Show Facebook Page.
Communion Belfast
Foy Vance, Southern, Captain Cameron
When I first interviewed Foy in Madissons Hotel, he told me about his desire to play more gigs in Belfast and being back home was good for him. Both Belfast's dreams and Foy's came true when he was announced as the headline act for Communion Belfast's St. Patrick's Day concert in the Black Box. The quirky surroundings of the Black Box made the intimate gig even more special last Thursday. With amazing support from Southern and one of Belfast's very best songwriters: Captain Cameron.
After such amazing support, although a noisy crowd Foy took to the stage, immediately 'ssshing' the crowd until a gentle silence fell over the room. Kicking off with Gabriel and the Vagabond and covering Van Morrison's Astral Weeks was a perfect start but the highlight of the night came with his most popular song Homebird left the audience speechless.
Communion Belfast always delivers with their monthly gigs but this was something special! Check Communion Belfast out on Twitter and Facebook. Next gig - 24th April with Iain Archer and support. AMAZING!
Thanks to the brilliant Graham Brown for his continuous help throughout the past few weeks.
Ollies
Cathedral Quarter
The perfect afterparty to Communion on Thursday night.
The ultra modern basement club has so much to offer compared to its rivals in Belfast. With a serious amount of style and sophistication mixed with great music and cheap drinks and only £3 in. Fantastic stuff!
Monday - Monopollie Monday's at Ollies - Guestlist available - Private message Ollies Belfast on Facebook.
They also run a free bus from Queens SU every half hour.
Free shot + Free Entry - SIMPLE!
Thanks to Stephen for the last Thursday night - check him out on The Culture Show very soon!
Jacks of London
Queen's Arcade, Belfast
A quick mention to the boys of Jacks of London in Belfast. Based at the back of Boots in Belfast, just on Fountain Lane (back of Boots, beside FatFace)
The ultra slick barbers have everything you want when getting your hair cut.
Get your hair washed and a head massage, accompany that with a cold beer and banging tunes - Jacks of London is the place to be for every man about town.
Student rates available and no appointments required.
Pop into Jacks of London and whilst you wait have a beer and play some Xbox or get a quick read at one of the lads mag's.
Pop in and get the best treatment in Belfast.
A big thanks to Neil and Derek
The brand new look AU Mag
#Winning#
When I picked up the new look edition of AU a few weeks ago I had to check if it was the correct magazine I picked up. The new look, size and feel of the mag suits everything AU stands for. I personally love the new vision for AU. With a mix of everything 'cultured' in Northern Ireland - food, fashion, music, comedy, theatre. AU has launched itself as one of the most coolest monthly mags in NI.
Jonny (editor of AU) will be joining me in QR studio at the start of April to talk about the new mag and also a natter about everything music and cultural related in Belfast.
Thanks for sticking with this HUGE blog - a big thanks to everybody involved in the show the past few weeks and of course everyone who I've talked about in this!
Thanks!
Finally - Massive shout out to Marty Doherty from Fifth Limb Design for this wee beauty!
