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.

 

 

Glasgow wedding band auction one night’s music on eBay

You can buy pretty much anything on eBay these days -from soviet rocket launchers to odd socks and grilled cheese. But one band have decided to play a new tune and auction their services online.

From Monday 18 June 2012, the three piece wedding band, Surround from Glasgow, Scotland will be found among gold rings and old concert memorabilia on the popular auction site.

Bidding starts at a recession busting 99p and the successful bidder will secure the services of the band for a full evening’s entertainment including a four- hour set.

David McSweeney, guitarist and singer explained: ‘Money is tight for everyone at the moment and we wanted to try something a bit different. We thought that putting ourselves up on eBay would be a fun experiment. There’s no strings (pardon the pun) and we’re offering the same service – for a wedding or function – that we would normally charge around £1000 for. It will be interesting to see what we go for. But it will be a bit embarrassing if we don’t get any bids!’

The world’s largest online marketplace, eBay has a global customer base of 223 million. Since launching in 1999, the site has grown to become one of the most recognisable services on the internet with over 10 million live listings at any one time and 14 million users in the UK alone.

Surround have been performing around the UK for over 15 years in venues such as King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow and The Cavern Club in Liverpool.  The threesome are: David McSweeney on guitar/ vocals; Stephen Murray  on bass/vocals and Grant Anderson on drums. For more information on the band and a link to the eBay auction visit www.surroundweb.co.uk

The band has opened up their services to a public auction for one night only.

 

 

Charity concert Saturday 9 June

Concert for CRP Bangladesh

An Evening of

Music • Dance • Song

On behalf of

The Valerie Taylor Trust

Plus meet and hear Dr. Valerie Taylor OBE

Founder of the Centre for the

Rehabilitation of the Paralysed, Bangladesh

Adelaide’s

209 Bath St,

Glasgow

Saturday 9th June 2012

Featuring Doors open 6.45

The Rodney’s Start 7.15

The David Latto Band

Glasgow Youth Choir

Donation Ticket £7.50

Bangla Bidya Niketon Includes refreshments

Tickets Available at the door or call Ross 07913 518382 / Bryan 07931 664381

www.crp-bangladesh.org www.valerietaylortrust.org

Chaplaincy to host major art fest

The  chaplaincy of Glasgow University  is working with the Archdiocese to promote Lentfest – an arts festival held during the preparation time before Easter.

Twenty-nine artists from across the UK will take part in a major exhibition of Stations of the Cross and Resurrection at the University.

The strong line-up includes Peter Howson, Jolomo (John Lowrie Morrison), Anne Devine, Sandy Moffat and Richard Demarco alongside regular participants such as Sarah T. Bookless, Brendan Berry and David T. Collins.

Lentfest Director, Stephen Callaghan explains: ‘The popularity of the exhibition topic illustrates the timelessness of Biblical subject matter and the diversity of the artists will no doubt ensure a wide range of interpretations. We’ve never had so many artists take part and not all of them are Christian so it will be interesting to see what they come up with.’

Archbishop Mario Conti, Lentfest’s patron, added: ‘I am delighted that we have the support of the University of Glasgow Chaplaincy for this exhibition and I hope that many people will visit it during Lent and use it as a means of reflection and prayer.’

Among the highlights of Lentfest will be a new play about the martyrdom of Saint John Ogilvie who died at Glasgow Cross in 1615. A weekend of music workshops will be led by James MacMillan and Father Guy Nichols from the John Henry Newman Institute for Liturgical Music in Birmingham. The first performance of Graham Hair’s new version of  ’The Seven Last Words’ with liturgical dance is also scheduled.

Glasgow University’s multifaith centre is expecting VIP visitors next year. The Rev. Stuart MacQuarrie, senior cleric at the church in the Square said: ‘We expect the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Right Rev. David Arnott and Glasgow’s Archbishop Mario Conti. We also plan a service for couples being married.’

Apart from the Lentfest exhibition, Glasgow University’s multifaith centre (the chaplaincy) is expecting VIP visitors. Said Rev. Stuart MacQuarrie, senior cleric at the church in University Square: ‘We expect a visit from the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Right Rev. David Arnott and Glasgow’s Archbishop Mario Conti. We also plan a service for couples being married.’

More student sit-ins

Today, a handful of students managed to get into the Collins building on Strathclyde University Campus and occupy the ‘posh’ board room used by Senate meetings and the like.

‘This is a peaceful occupation,’ said spokesman Ramy Albanna. ‘We are doing this to claim freedom of access, to highlight the hike in fees for students coming here from England and to express our concern at the closure of Community Education, Sociology, Geography and even Music course.’

We will be marching with the STUC and many other people on Saturday 1 October in the People First march from Glasgow Green to a rally in Kelvingrove Park. Because of that, we told the University we’d be out by Saturday.’

Security personnel at the University shut down the Collins Building in a bid to prevent numbers swelling. Two police officers arrived around 2pm after a number of protesters attempted to gain access to the building via a side entrance.

The neighbouring McCance Building in which Strathclyde senior management is housed, including the Principal’s office, was closed to students following the occupation which started around 11.30am onThursday 29 September.

The move comes two days after Strathclyde University announced plans to charge students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales £9,000 a year from the next academic year, taking the cost of a four-year degree to £27,000 after a cap was imposed.

At 4.30pm the University issued a brief statement saying: ‘A small number of protesters are holding a sit-in in one of the University’s administration buildings. The impact is localised and the University is working to minimise disruption.’

When it was pointed out that police were involved and indeed this website had pictures, the response was a promise to get more information.

University of Strathclyde Students’ Association president Charandeep Singh is understood to be in discussions with Principal Professor Jim McDonald.

The People First march and rally on Saturday will be led by the STUC but incorporates a large number of faith groups as well as campaigners in a large number of equality and anti-poverty organisations.

After speeches and music in Kelvingrove Park, groups will disperse to places of worship, student unions, public buildings and hotel in the vicinity to address specific issues.

The day will also feature fund raising for the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal on the famine in Africa.

The day will challenge poverty levels and campaign for re-distribution of wealth across Scotland and the UK. People will also be campaigning to protect the hardest hit by service and benefit cuts and to build and re-connect communities and movements across the country.

Strathclyde University’s fees are now set at £9000 a year for undergraduates from the rest of the UK outwith Scotland. Glasgow University fees are set at £6750 and capped at £26,000 for a four year degree course. The annual fee for Scottish students studying at Scottish universities – which is effectively paid for by the Scottish Government – is unchanged at £1800.

Charandeep Singh, of the University of Strathclyde Students’ Association said: ‘We oppose all student fees and anything that could lead to the commercialisation of higher education. ‘The University Court had a chance to show leadership by minimising the impact of fees at Strathclyde. Instead they have chosen to charge the highest possible fees, proving that they are motivated purely by profit.’

 

Sounds of protest outside Court doors

An intrepid band of about 200 students continued their protest at Glasgow University cuts as the University’s Court met to decide on proposals on Wednesday 22 June 2011.

With drums and megaphone, the crowd made their concerns loud and clear outside the Senate room where the Court was meeting.

A range of speakers outlined the issues. Dr Jan Culik, Senior Lecturer in Czech Studies, who has been on the University staff since 1995, said: ’This University will become the laughing stock of the world if the broad based cultural education we provide is not continued. ‘ He said later: The School of  Slovak Studies has been here 60 years and is unique in Scotland.’

Liam Kane, a lecturer in the Adult and Continuing Education department (DACE) said: ‘There is a contradiction between the consultation process commending the good work being done and the taking away of all teaching grants to make the department self sufficient within the next three years. We don’t know the details yet, but if we are really to become self-sufficient, this would appear to be privatisation by the backdoor’

Louisa McMinn, a mature student in the crowd commented: ”I’ve already experienced the cuts. We were limited to fortnightly oral classes – in large groups – in first year French. It is very hard to build oral language skills on that basis. She added: ‘ How can you expect people to accept austerity that’s dished out by people earning six figure salaries?  There needs to be reform in university structures with academically elected bodies rather than overpaid management groups,  making the decisions.’ At the aged of 55, Louisa has just graduated with an M.A. in French and Music following part-time studies.  She said: ‘My children won’t be able to do what I’ve done, if the cuts go ahead.’

WEST END FESTIVAL STARTS

Sunday 5 June sees the start of Glasgow’s West End Festival. At 12 noon till 7pm Kelvingrove Park will be transformed into a playground of colour, music, entertainment, food and drink to celebrate the start of the 16th West End Festival.
The Opening Parade – described as Scotland’s Mardi Gras – features eight samba bands, more than 500 costumed characters and musicians who will parade along Kelvin Way and back into the Park around Park Circus. That takes place between 3pm and 4pm.
Everyone is invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the fun. There will be FOUR stages for different kinds of live music: Big Band, Latin and Celtic, Ska and Pop and New music. Lots for children. Stuff to buy. Great spectacles to see. Just be there!

Travelling home via good music and dance

Paragon which has been making and encouraging new music for 30 years, will hold a celebration event at the CCA in Sauchiehall Street on Thursday 17 February at 7pm involving children from a variety of ethnic communities.

The Paragon Ensemble will perform the premiere of a new commisssion by Gareth Williams.

Ninian Perry, Paragon’s Creative Director said: ‘We have been working with children from Roma and Pakistani communities who attend Annette Street Primary School in Govanhill. Out of this has evolved ‘Travelling Home’ because home is where you are when you play or hear or dance to familiar music.’

He added: ‘The enthnic mix for both communities is rich musically. The children have been wonderful to work with, inspirational too as the Roma children, in particular,  have a natural affinity with music.’

Gareth Williams has written a new work for Paragon Ensemble featuring Heather Corbett playing the Hungarian dulcimer, an extraordinary instrument known as the Cimbalom. Tommy Fowler’s new piece, Take One, has been ‘re-mixed’ by Bhangra DJ artists, Tigerstyle – this ‘track’ will be danced to by teenagers from YDance who live in Knightswood.

Young wheelchair dancers have also created a new piece, Make Music Move, to Scottish Dance Theatre’s Caroline Bowditch choreography. Paragon’s world music group, Kaleidophone, perform traditional melodies and dance tunes from Iran, Africa, Eastern Europe and Scotland.

Tickets £5 and £8 from Box Office tel: 0141 352 4900 or online: www.cca-glasgow.com or www.paragon-music.org

Girlband are in Demand!

by Lynsay Keough

Bauer Media is thrilled to announce The Saturdays have been confirmed in the line-up for In:Demand Live, at the SECC on Saturday 31 July.

They will join JLS, Alexandra Burke, Diana Vickers, Tinchy Stryder, Alesha Dixon, Professor Green, The Hoosiers, Example, Alex Gardner, Fugative, Eliza Doolittle, Basshunter, Beat Bullyz PLUS, new boyband The Wanted and Scots newcomer Carrie Mac.

The Saturdays are currently working on their third studio album, to be released later this year and their 8th single “Missing You” is scheduled for release on the 8th August.

From the same management stable are The Wanted.  Signed to Geffen, their forthcoming single ‘All Time Low’ garnered over 150,000 hits on You Tube in the first two days it went online and is set to be released at end of July .

Fans can also experience the Entertainment Zone where there will be a Silent Disco. Everyone is given a set of wireless headphones to listen to the music which is being played simultaneously on two separate channels by two DJs. Dancers can switch from one channel to the other, which makes for a very interesting experience as everyone dances to a different beat! The infamous Karaoke Stage, which will run throughout the day, is where judges will be listening out for the best performer who will then win the chance to sing in front of the 9,000 strong In:Demand Live crowd! They will perform on the main stage just before the closing act. There will also be an interactive Game Station Area with large-scale video games challenges and numerous Wii stations with favourites like ‘Rock Band’ and ‘Guitar Hero’. Everyone can check out each other’s moves on the giant dance simulator which is projected onto a big screen for all to see! There will also be plenty of merchandise, food and drink stalls.

Siobhán Crampsey of event organisers, Bauer Media said: ”Following hot on the heels of announcing the biggest boy band in Britain, JLS, for In:Demand Live – it’s fantastic to now add the country’s hottest girl band, The Saturdays. We’re also delighted to welcome newcomers The Wanted to the event….no doubt the female population of Scotland will welcome them with open arms! We wanted to make In:Demand Live more than just a concert so the Entertainment Zone – in Hall 3 of the SECC right beside the main arena – is a great addition. We know how Scots love to karaoke and it’s exciting to give someone the chance to then sing on the main stage alongside big names such as JLS and Alexandra Burke. Most attractions in this area will be free so – if you can tear yourself away from all the music main action that’s going on in the arena – you can also dance, sing or game at any point throughout the day.’
In:Demand Live has evolved from ‘In:Demand’ which is hosted by Romeo, and broadcast (weeknights 7-10pm) on Clyde 1.
Tickets for In Demand Live – priced £25 + booking fee – are available on www.ticketsoup.com, www.gigsinscotland.com or via the SECC ticket hotline on 0844 395 4000. For more details and regular updates on In:Demand Live log onto www.indemandlive.co.uk

Refugee Council celebrates 25 years

Paragon Ensemble are ‘thrilled’ to be playing at the 25th anniversary event of the Scottish Refugee Council in Edinburgh Castle on Wednesday 16 June. Said Ninian Perry, Paragon leader, ‘We will play Celtic, African and Iranian music as we have musicians from all these countries.’ Known for their creative music and work with young people, disabled people and others with no music background, Paragon is recognised as a leader in its field. ‘We’ve helped with various refuge projects in the past,’ said Ninian, ‘so that’s probably why we’ve been invited to this celebration evening.’

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