Stendhal Festival

The syndrome is about to set in

@ Stendhal Festival of Art

LIMAVADY and the wider northwest is abuzz with anticipation as the first ever Stendhal Festival of Art edges ever closer.

This Friday and Saturday (August 19 and 20) will see festival goers descend on Ballymully Cottage Farm on the outskirts of Limavady to revel in what promises to be the start of something special.

30 musical acts from all over Ireland and the UK will take to four stages over the weekend, including the Murcury Music Prize nominated Turin Brakes, rising local star Rainy Boy Sleep, legendary Irish troubadour Andy Irvine, The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland and many more.

On top of the music Stendhal Festival will also be showcasing the best in local Art, Dance, Poetry, Drama and Craft.

If that wasn’t enough there will also be a Children’s play area and Kids workshops so that the whole family can come and enjoy an event the likes of which the Limavady Borough has never experienced before.

MUSIC

Music is the most exciting aspect of the Festival, the artists performing at the Festival encompass a wide variety of musical genres and there is certainly something to appeal to all musical tastes.

TURIN BRAKES

Headlining are Turin Brakes, the modern folk duo whose critically acclaimed albums such as ‘The Optimist LP’, ‘Ether Song’, and ‘Jackinabox’, saw them lead a revival in the popularity of the folk genre.

Their spellbinding song-writing was described by the NME as: “Fully formed and brutally emotive,” and takes the listener on a journey from melancholy through hope, love through isolation and humour through desperation, and sometimes that is just in one song.

Best known for their 2004 smash hit single ‘Painkiller’, the boys from Balham have received mountains of critical acclaim and produced five outstanding studio albums.

RAINY BOY SLEEP

This summer just keeps getting better and better for Rainy Boy Sleep, aka Stevie Martin.

Not satisfied with slots at Hard Rock Calling, Glasgowbury, Glastonbury and of course Stendhal, it has been announced that Rainy Boy Sleep is to play the BBC Introducing Stage at this year’s Reading Festival which takes place on August 26-28 and is headlined by the awe inspiring Muse.

Stevie is a well known face on the music scene in Limavady and the Northwest. Over the past few years he has been honing his unique, intimate style of performing locally around the bars of the Roe Valley such as the Alexander Arms, Frank Owens and in particular the Corner Bar.

His original material such as ‘Your Face’ and ‘Manchester Post’ are fantastic examples of what he is all about, haunting vocals, clever lyrics, strong guitar work and slick production. But the people of Limavady have known that for a while now. However, those were Stevie Martin gigs, as Rainy Boy Sleep he has upped the ante and incorporates a Boss Loop Station to bulk up his sound and give his material an added dimension.

THE GORGEOUS COLOURS

The Gorgeous Colours are a five-piece from Dublin that blend countless genres together to create a sound that is very much their own. Their most recent single “It’s OK to Be Normal” - described by one blogger as "quite possibly the best track of the year so far released by an Irish band" - follows the band's critically-acclaimed The Creatures Down Below EP, which was funded by fans through an online pledge campaign. The video for the title track of the won the Viewer's Choice Award for best video at the 2010 IMTV awards.

City7 Magazine

The summer issue of Belfast's City7 Magazine is out now!

City7 is Belfast's only free monthly glossy!

A fantastic front cover by Hedonist Hair on Botanic Avenue &

an equally stunning back cover from Ollies Nightclub.

Check out City7 for everything happening in Belfast.

B - Beauty

E - Entertainment

L - Lifestyle

F - Fashion

A - Arts

S - Style

T - Technology

Last week before it slow's down.. (a bit)

As the title suggests, this is the last week of uni before 3 weeks Easter break. I cannot wait to be off for a while and actually get some proper work done. I will be organising the last 6 weeks of The Culture Show before Queen's Radio breaks for Summer. Sorting out some sort of Summer work wether it be enjoyable or simply a way to pay the bills - who knows. Before I can do any of this I have exams, essay's, presentations and a minor detail of directing a play.

This week kicks off Rough Cuts at Queens University. I have directed a play called Passing Places. I've been lucky enough to work a very talented cast and been supported by such an amazing Assistant Director (Sarah King). A big thanks to Joe Rea and Martin Lynch from GBL Productions in Belfast for allowing me to borrow their stage car for the performance. A random request for the stage but finally got hold of the car. Massive thanks to all who have been involved in the production and their help.

Passing Places is in the Brian Friel Theatre (QFT).

On Wednesday 13th & Thursday 14th April

Time: 7:30pm

Admission: Free

This week also see's the return of Scottish rockers 'The View' back to Belfast to play Mandella Hall. The View will be playing their classics including Skag Trendy and Same Jeans and their brand new album; Bread and Circuses.

The View - Mandella Hall

Tuesday 12th April

Time: 8:00pm

Admission: £15.00

Tuesday night also see's a big date in the Queen's Radio diary - It's our 5th Birthday! Wooooow!!!!!

So if you're down at The View on Tuesday night come down after to Auntie Annies after 10 and check out some of the best local music. Bands including 3D Shark, Phonenix Fire will be warming you all up before The Emerald Armada rock your socks off. For only £5 and supporting a fantastic cause - why wouldn't you be there!

Queens Radio 5th Birthday - Auntie Annies

Tuesday 12th April

Time: 10:00pm

Admission: £5

Talk of an afterparty on Thursday after RoughCuts is already the talk around all the cast. Thursday night Belfast - 21 Social jumps to mind immediately!

Their new student night - S O C I A L I Z E is the hottest place to be on a Thursday night. Free entry before 10pm and only £3 after it's treating our student bank accounts nicely. Drink promo's at £3 including Captain Morgan & Mixer, Eristoff & Mixer and House Wine it's attracting students from all over Belfast.

Cool FM's DJ Steve Turnbull and Mark Dobbin on Percussion playing the best Club Classics, RNB & Chart music.

ARE YOU A SOCIALITE?

S O C I A L I Z E @ 21 Social

Thursday 14th April

Time: 10pm

Admission: £3

Goodbye Belfast Film Festival '11. What a festival it's been this year. Having the opportunity to interview such cinema legends including Terry George, Peter Mullan & Brendan Fraser has been amazing. Meeting the hottest new talent including Martin McCann, Nick Hamm, Joe Echo & Nadia Tass has been a breath of fresh air.

Having the opportunity to work closely with Belfast Film Festival and Inform Communications has been an absolute joy.

Special thanks to Brian 'Tom Selleck' Martin, Johnny and Lisa from Inform and Sarah Hughes from QFT.

Good luck with the closing night of Behold The Lamb.

This year has been fantastic!

Belfast Film Festival

www.belfastfilmfestival.org

Finally...

A quick announcement that I will be attending this years FATE Awards in the Europa Hotel, BelfasNow in their fifth year, The FATE Awards have become to benchmark of success, showcasing the very best of Northern Irish entertainment and hospitality industry. This year's FATE Awards in association with Diet Coke are being held in Belfast's prestigious Europa Hotel.The glittering celeb packed ceremony on the 15th April is Northern Ireland's most eagerly anticipated star-studded night of the year and I am honoured to be invited to interview the celebrities on entry to the awards.A special thanks to Michael Mervyn-Jones from FATE and Nicola from NB Chartered Marketing.

FATE Awards

Europa Hotel

Friday 15th April

Ryan Crown

Twitter: RyanTCrown

Facebook: facebook.com/ryan.crown

Email: ryan.crown@queensradio.org / ryan_crown91@hotmail.co.uk

Belfast Film Festival

This week has been hectic with Uni work, the radio show and of course Belfast Film Festival. They have been amazing the past week organising interviews and press screenings for me.

Kicking off with Killing Bono on Monday - WOW!

Fantastic film with an outstanding performance from local actor Marty McCann and music by the brilliant Joe Echo.The film is released today (Friday) all over the UK so be sure to go see it and support not only Northern Irish talent but the Northern Ireland film industry.

Interviews this week included:

Terry George

In the Name of the Father.. Hotel Rwanda & Reservation Road

(Oscar Nominated)

Nick Hamm

Killing Bono Director

Martin McCann

Killing Bono, Whole Lotta Sole, The Pacific, Closing the Ring

(Best Leading Actor - IFTA 2011)

Brian Henry Martin

Festival Chair of Belfast Film Festival

All interviews will be available on You Tube/SoundCloud as a podcast of The Culture Show - Queens Radio

Kabosh @ Belfast Film Festival

Raiders of the Lost Story Arc

In 1978 three bearded men called Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan met in room somewhere in LA. For 5 days they talked, after 5 days they had their story straight. Raiders of the Lost Ark was born...

Belfast Film Festival and Kabosh have collaborated to create an original piece of theatre based on the transcript of these meetings.

Some background... Lucas had just released Star Wars, the biggest film in the history of Hollywood and a cult phenomenon. Spielberg had just released Close Encounters of the Third Kind and before that, Jaws. Now unknown screenwriter Kasdan was called in by the biggest names in Hollywood to talk about their next blockbuster.

Raiders of the Lost Story Arc tells us a lot about the making of a classic film, it also shows what could have been; can you imagine Peter Falk as Indy?, Could the name Indiana Smith and Raiders of the Lost Ark have been a blockbuster? And what about that camel chase?

George: What can he chase them with? What if he jumps on a camel?

Steven: I love it. It’s a great idea. There’s never been a camel chase before.

Lawrence: Is this camel going to chase a car?

Steven: You know how fast a camel can run? Not only that, he can jump over vegetable carts and things. It could be a funny chase that ends in tragedy. You’re laughing your head off and suddenly, “My God, she’s dead.”

Created and directed by Stephen Hackett and Paula McFetridge, performed by Paul Kennedy, Frankie McCafferty and Alan McKee. Come along and see how a cinema classic was created in this World premiere theatrical dramatisation

£7.00 / £9.00

www.belfastfilmfestival.org

Listen in every Wednesday

1:30 - 3:00

www.queensradio.org

Finally a blog...

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!