Music posters to combat racism

Love Music Hate Racism is celebrating years of inspiring people to love their neighbour with an exhibition of poster showing some of the great Rock Against Racism gigs where their message was sung out to the world.

The vintage posters will be on view till 30 April in the Platform library in Easterhouse. There, Glasgow leaders in the fight against fascism, launched the exhibition in proper style – with music from the Honest Mistakes. Among the songs sung by the trio of Brian Gibson, Chris Reilly and Steve Dollan, was the famous Italian anti-fascist song :Bella Ciao.’ Their rendition was followed by a photographer spontaneously singing it in Chinese!

‘That could only happen in group like this,’ said doyen Margaret Wood who has been at the forefront of the fight against race hatred for many years.

She told the gathering: ‘Sadly this fight has to go on. So it is really good that school children today will be coming to see this exhibition and to have workshops about what it all means. The rich people who run our society are our enemy, not our neighbours.’

Making his first public speech as chairman of United Against Fascism Scotland, John McFadden of the Fire Brigade Union said: ‘There was never a better time to have this exhibition. We are in the middle of a severe economic crisis and the same issues are being raised. It is disgraceful for the Prime Minister to be saying things like: -’ we must guard against people from afar because they are stealing our welfare.’ Let us not fall into the trap of making migrants and other incomers, scapegoats. We have to support and celebrate our multi-cultural society and promote peace, love and tolerance. Those are the qualities that will stop the hatred and poison that comes from the right wing fascists. And we need to be aware that such a hate filled movement is growing in Europe and here.’

Dave Sherry of UNITE union’s Housing Association branch – one of the sponsors of the exhibition- remembered the excitement of a Rock Against Racism event in London in 1978. ‘Elvis Costello could only get to the stage by helicopter because of the huge mass of people. It was really electrifying and terrifying too, but it got the message out. And we must keep doing that,’ he said.

Amal Azzudin and Emma Clifford, who were two of the seven Glasgow school girls who challenged the authorities when one of their classmates was whipped away in a dawn raid on the asylum seeking family in 2005, also attended the exhibition launch. Said Emma, who now works for the BBC and Sunny Govan Radio: ‘I’m glad the exhibition involves schoolkids in workshops. And that it is travelling around the country.’ Added Amal, who is working for the Mental Health Foundation: ‘Music is such a great medium to use to raise awareness. The Big Names involved in Rock Against Racism get the message to a wider audience.’

Noreen Real and Jean Donnachie who were honoured by the Evening Times for their fight to protect asylum seekers from dawn raids in their tower block, were at the Easterhouse launch too. Both poudly wearing the silver lapel pin from the Evening Times 25^th Women of the Year anniversary, they enjoyed the evening and Jean even joined the musicians in a song. ‘I want everyone to go and see the stage version of the Glasgow Girls when it comes back to Glasgow,’ she said. Then launched into the song that the character in the musical – portraying her – sings. ‘ These are my weans now.’ These two remarkable pensioners and the seven schoolgirls are all current examples of people fighting racism.

‘That’s why we need to keep supporting Love Music Hate Racism, Rock Against Racism and find all the best ways to combat fascism,’ said Margaret Wood. ‘It is still out there and a threat to us all.’

 

 

Cultural legacy of the Southside to be discussed at all-day conference.

Anyone interested in the Southside of Glasgow, its history, traditions, fun and music will have a feast on Saturday 23 March 2013 when an all-day conference will be held by the South Glasgow Heritage and Environment Trust.

The day will include many great speakers who can tell about the Music, Mirth and Magic  of the cultural life of that part of the city.  Pantomime, Temperance and the Glasgow Apollo are on the list of subjects to be discussed.

All of this for £10 which includes lunch  in the cosy environment of the Premier Inn, Ballater Street, Gorbals G5 from 10.30am till 4pm.

Dancing delights 800

Wednesday 20 March 2013

More than 800 primary school children danced their trainers off today at Kelvin Hall Sports Arena. To the music of the John Renton Scottish Dance Band, they enjoyed a ceilidh at Flying Scotsman pace.

For the eighth year, the Festival of Dance has given them ‘skills for life’ said the Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, when she officially welcomed everyone. ‘Once you’ve learned these dances you’ll use them and enjoy them for the rest of your life.’

The collaboration between the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) and Glasgow City Council’s Education Department encourages the young folk to keep fit, keep healthy and socialise through dancing. It also allows a thread of Scottish culture to be woven, naturally, into their education.

Wheelchair dancing was demonstrated and schools, including Barmulloch Primary, successfully integrated children with special needs in the activity.

Since January, more than 26 schools have been practising The Dashing White Sergeant, Antarctica Bound, and the Round Reel of Eight among other dances. Teachers and other school staff alongside trainers from the RSCDS have been doing the coaching, often as after-school activities. Their efforts were praised by Andrea Crawford who is responsible for the City’s Primary School, Physical Education strategies. She said: ‘It is absolutely phenomenal the amount of work that’s gone into today.’ Alan Munro, Chairman of the Glasgow Branch of RSCDS, who was Master of Ceremonies, said: ‘It is really enjoyable seeing so many children having fun. We are really looking forward to having the continued support of Glasgow City Council for this dance Festival. ‘

As Moira Sweeney of Avenue End Primary in Ruchazie, said: ‘The children meet new people. It boosts their self-esteem and they just love to dance. It is a real privilege to be a part of this.’

Commented one 10-year-old: ‘This is hard work but it’s great fun.’

 

 

Declan delights the Glad Cafe set

Musician Declan Sinnott was in town as a highlight of the St Patrick’s Festival on the Southside. But the Wexford man should return for the Comedy Festival as his banter at Glad Cafe delighted the capacity audience.

However, it was his music they’d come to hear and after more than two hours of continuous song with Vickie Keating’s voice being a natural complement, the audience was reluctant to let him go. Only the strict closing hours of the Glad Cafe brought a fine night to an end.

Known for his work as producer, guitarist and musical director for Ireland’s world-renowned Mary Black,Declan has recently gone solo.

As he explained it, he was so nervous singing solo, he decided he needed someone else with him. Which is where Vickie came in.

The emotions covered by the songs cover most human conditions. He modestly suggested that since he’s 62 and can sing ‘Blood is Rushing Through These Veins,’ there is hope for any men of his vintage to experience the same joy. It isn’t only that he sings it, he wrote it with Owen O’Brien and one can only imagine, he’s experienced the feelings it reveals.

Most of the songs on his first album were written with Owen. Declan makes it a point of honour to talk about the songwriters. He also tells the stories of how the songs came to be made and relates the history of the surrounding events to the extent that at least one parent in the audience uses Declan to educate his children.

Declan’s first solo album is titled: I love the noise it makes. Everyone at Glad Cafe last night would rephrase that to read: I love the noise Declan makes. Singing or playing, this man is in a class of his own. Sign up for his next album now.

 

St Patrick would be proud

As part of the South Side Festival activities, a green celebration of Irish culture has been swinging along nicely over this St Patrick’s day time.

On Saturday, 16 March, at the Glad Cafe in Shawlands at 1006 Pollokshaws Road, Declan Sinnott will be playing and singing to entertain folks in this intimate community enterprise venue. With a career spanning over 40 years, Declan has worked with Irish folk luminaries such as Christy Moore, Mary Black, Sinead Lohan and John Spillane. He was a founding member of Horslips and Moving Hearts – two of the most influential trad /electric bands in Ireland, and spent 13 years guiding Mary Black’s career, producing the majority of her music.

Since 2000, Declan has been guitarist and producer to Christy Moore, who was recently named as Ireland’s greatest living musician in RTÉ’s People of the Year Awards.

Following the release of his critically acclaimed debut album “I love the Noise It Makes” in 2012, Sinnott has been touring. The penultimate of five stops on the tour, the Glasgow gig is not to be missed – though you’ll have a job finding a ticket at this stage.

Described by the Daily Telegraph as “One of Ireland’s most respected musicians”, Sinnott’s performances in Coatbridge and York will be part of their St Patrick Day Festivals.

 

 

The real Goal is friendship

Friday 22 February 2013

There was no real score kept of the football match today between students from Hollybrook Academy in Glasgow and counterparts from Maerkisches Berufskolleg in Unna, Germany.

But the friendly game – possibly 8 -8 – played at Toryglen indoor football centre, was great fun. It was followed by a visit to

Hampden Football Museum.

Said Mary Farrell Head Teacher of Hollybrook in Govanhill: ‘We have a jam-packed itinerary planned for our visitors, including trips to the Riverside Museum, Anniesland College, Xscape and orienteering in Mugdock Park.’

Some of the local students – aged up to 18 – and the German visitors – aged up to 23 – plan to hire kilts for their final fling – a ceilidh at the end of the two week visit. Said DJ NotNot alias Declan McNaughton (16): ‘We’ve sorted out the music for the night. There will be chart stuff, ceilidh music and music the German visitors want.’ Added DJ Barbie alias Stephen McLauchlan (17): ”All the equipment is organised as well as the lighting and the food.’

The two schools for young people with additional support needs, have been in touch through an initiative funded by the British Council supporting a bilingual Comenius Project.

Said Hollybrook teacher Silke Bryce, who is German and taught English before coming to live and work in Scotland: ‘This is a two year sports and leisure project. It allows an exchange of teachers and students and stimulates them to learn about each other’s country, culture, life style and language.’

The Glasgow students aim to travel to Germany next year but they haven’t worked out yet what they can do about kilts…

The Union to rock the Cathouse on St Valentine’s Day

St Valentine’s day is sorted for classic rock musician Luke Morley of ‘The Union’.  While he’s gigging at Glasgow’s Cathouse on Thursday 14 February, his missus will receive her bouquet of flowers. And The Union’s drummer – Dave McCluskey from Stepps in Glasgow – will actually bring his other half with him to the gig.

‘It will be a terrific night,’ said Luke from his London workbase. ‘The atmosphere at the Cathouse is fantastic. It’s small and has a lovely stage and the audience in Glasgow always make it a highlight of any tour.’ This will be the band’s only Scottish venue.

While ‘Union’ Facebook fans have a 30-50 year old profile with 60% being male, Luke knows that the appeal of the award winning band is wider. ‘Late teens, early 20s are at the front of the crowd,’ said the seasoned guitarist who was part of Thunder for 20 years till 2009. His ‘Union’ with Peter Shoulder of Winterville has produced three albums with the latest ‘The World Is Yours’ releasing on Monday 11 February 2013 through Payola Music.

Look out for the track ‘Lost to the Wind.’ It’s based on Luke’s own experiences with his grandmother who had dementia. ‘It’s really telling the story through the eyes of an elderly relative,’ said Luke, ‘so it’s pretty unusual.’

When the ten stop tour ends on Sunday 24 February in Bristol, there are plans for Japan where Luke’s music is big and well-established from previous tours and some of the regular summer festivals. There is also another Harley Davidson Childline Rocks ride through the United States. ‘It is an incredible and inspiring experience,’ said Luke who’s done two trips already. ‘We go off the beaten track and cover 250 – 300 miles a day so end up completely nackered. But it is a lovely thing to do – especially since I’m on the pick-up truck with all the photographers!’

As far as his music making is concerned Luke says: ‘It’s good to be making a living doing something I love for 30 years.’

Love is all around Luke…..

 

 

EDITORIAL

No sooner has Burns Supper time been digested than we roll out the celebrations for Chinese New Year.  The Confucius Institute at the University of Glasgow has a special free concert arranged for Thursday 7 February at 1pm.  The Harmony Ensemble will play in the University Concert Hall.  Comprising Fong Liu (singer);  Hooi Ling Eng (playing zheng/Chinese percussion); Eddie McGuire (playing bamboo flute- dizi and hawu);  Shona Brown (playing dizi/hulosi) and Xian Shan (playing accordion).

The Confederation of Chinese Associations in Scotland have a big bash planned for Monday 18 February at the SeeWoo restaurant with lots of entertainment, VIPs and festive food. The ticket- only event looks like a good mix of business and pleasure.

And this website would wager no one will be out of their face with alcohol. Maybe other New Year celebrations could take note. Interestingly, in almost every month of the year, one country or another can be found marking their New Year.  Traditions are remarkably similar – clean the house, prepare special dishes, sing, dance and be merry.

Gong Xi Fa Cai – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Mini Moves go for selection on Sunday 3 February

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A delighted Kim Carr wants readers to www.localnewsglasgow.co.uk to support MINI MOVES in the tv hit show GOT TO DANCE on Sunday 3 February.

She said: ‘My daughter, Jay’s dance group Fear of the Unknown did well last year. Now their new group MINI MOVES will be seen on Got to Dance on Sky1 hosted by Davina McColl.

Mini Moves audition receive 3 gold stars from the celebrity judges in the audition show and they were given a standing ovation.’

On Sunday the 3rd of February, it will be revealed which acts have been chosen by judges for the live shows in London on Sky1. If Mini Moves are chosen, they will be in the running to win £250,000 which will be used to improve their dance school Dancepoint in Glasgow to the benefit of many young people.

Since it is the public who vote live on the show for their favourite act, Kim is asking everyone to support the local team when the voting time comes after they’ve been selected. ‘Sunday 3 February  it NOT voting time yet,’ emphasised Kim.  ’That’s just when we find out if MINI MOVES are through to the section where the public can vote when that show goes out live.’

The girls are trained by Robert Hamilton of Dancepoint Musical Theatre School, Oxford Street, Glasgow. He also produced The Box and The Fear of the Unknown dance groups from previous Got to Dance series and The Fusion from Britain’s Got Talent.

The young people at Dancepoint regularly perform all over the UK at charity gigs and have helped raise over £250,000 for a variety of charities.

MINI MOVES is made up of: Jay, 11 from Renfrew; Cara,11 from Old Kilpatrick; Skye, 11 from Glasgow; Jo, 11 from Stepps; Holly, 10 from Clydebank.

Jay was part of The Box from Got to Dance series 1 and The Fear of the Unknown series 3. Holly was part of The Box series 1.

facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minimoves/402799869800569?ref=stream

twitter – @minimoves2

website – meet the girls – www.dancepointglasgow.co.uk

you tube link to first audition – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zil7CR9N8Dw

Said Kim: ‘A Scottish act has never won the show before. As you can image the girls are really excited, so fingers crossed for them.’

 

Skaters unite!

Skaters have from now till 6 January 2013 to enjoy Glasgow on Ice, the stunning centre piece of the Glasgow Loves Christmas festival.

Around 210,000 litres of water were used to form the six inches of ice. It took 90 hours to freeze it completely to form the 736 square metres to skate on.

Last year more than 50,000 people used the outdoor rink around the Scott Monument in the centre of George Square and even more are expected this year.

For the first time students get half price on Mondays. Parents with children up to the age of seven, can use the Penguin Sessions which allows them to skate while pushing their youngsters in specially designed pods like penguins. Prices range from £4 for Young Scot card holders to £10 for adults at peak times.

The Magical Entertainment Marquee will have a free programme every night ranging from festive films and Christmas choirs to big band concerts and comedy spots as well as quizzes.

Free family fun days will be on offer each weekend. So far the entertainment line up has included – Cami followed by Jake Beveridge, Irrational Fever, Michael Cassidy and A Band Called Quinn. But there are musical treats most nights so check the website.

Said Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council: ‘The city simply buzzes with excitement thanks to all the attractions, events and family entertainment. And, of course, there is the chance to skate under the stars in George Square. I invite everyone to come and join us for some Festive Cheer.’

Clyde 1 In: Demand presenter Romeo said: ‘I love Glasgow on Ice. It’s such a good laugh and the Square looks beautiful. I feel like I’m on a movie set in New York.’ He was put through his paces by Scottish figure skating champion, Simone Golumb

For more info on Glasgow Loves Christmas consult the website: “http://www.glasgowloveschristmas.com” or www.glasgowloveschristmas.com or Facebook

Mildred Black at 76 remembers past skaing times as she glides along.

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