L'ART Issue 7, April 2012

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Issue 7 April 2012

L’ART

L’ART Music

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Contents

We focus on the rise of Gospel music and its successful artists

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OX105FM station is the new buzz on the radio. Who do you love listening to on your day to day?

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Zahra has a chat with L’ART and gives us the low down on BG Records. Find out what she’s doing for young music artists out there.

Fashion

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Try out a new or updated look this summer from our very own lookbook

Performing Arts 8

From her love for her Diva’s, training at dance school and

work in the theatre, Jenni Middleton shares her talent.

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Leeds’ The Dance Company need you! Read on to find out more.

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i all and welcome to the seventh issue of L’ART; the Easter fashion issue.

With it being the month of Easter and a time where those who worship Jesus, praise and give thanks for his sacrifice, we take a look at the rise and popularity of Gospel music. Look out for this special on pages four and five.

Paying homeage to fashion as we enter summer 2012, we’ve also got a select few outfits chosen for males and females to try this season. With on current trends, bright colours and affordable prices from the High Street, you can begin updating your wardrobes or maybe even try a whole new look. The choice is yours.

Enjoy and have a great Easter holiday.

MPF4

Reviews 21

Editor’s Letter

Daniella & Letisha

Word On The Street

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L’ART

L’ART couraged their ten children to participate in the family’s annual Christmas concerts. This gave each family member a chance to develop their musical talent, which has led to a collective number of Grammy nominations and awards between them.

Music Of The Spirit A

s the Easter period is upon us, we take a look at a genre of music that is highly influential during this religious time and is very uplifting listening. We’re talking about Gospel music.

from the church, it’s not just about hymns and preaching words from the bible. You just have to listen to the work of these artists to realise this and each style that they bring to the table represents a new era of gospel music.

You can preach the Every keen listenword of the lord in er of gospel mua joyous, fun and sic will mention celebratory way. the Winans. They Big names in this are often referred genre include The to as the family of Kirk Franklin Winans, Kirk Frangospel and each memklin, Mary Mary and Yolanda Adams to name a few ber has had their very own and we’re here to spread the successful collection of hits.

But the musical talent began word on this genre. with their parents, Delores Although gospel music stems and David Winans who en-

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Image Source: blueskywedding.co.uk, last.fm, binsidetv.net, tvlistings.zap2it.com

Here’s an uplifting genre of music to add to your collection...

Kirk Franklin & The Family, they dominated the gospel music charts and even ranked high on the R&B charts and gaining platinum status in the process.

Some of our favourite Franklin tracks have got to be the popular ‘Revolution’, ‘Looking For You’ and ‘I Smile’ although he has many joyful and uplifting tracks in his back-catalogue.

Another dominant gospel figure is Kirk Franklin.

Mary Mary He may not be a singer but he still remains successful alongside There is a lot that his ever-talented we can share on team; his band, this subject, so choir and backlook out for our onup singers. Franline posts throughklin’s style is more that of a out the Easter period. Also, if choir director as he speaks you want to hear more, Bobspoken word over the tracks. by Jones Gospel on BET is Before he became a solo mu- the perfect way to start. The sician, he organised a seven- show has been running since teen-voice choir, which were 1980 and it captures the true made up of family members essence of gospel music in its and close friends. Known as glory. L’ART

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long journey, the rewards are tasting that much sweeter.

www.ox105fm.com

volved in hot topics for the day.

No stranger to Oxford’s music and DJ scene, and definitely a one of a kind character to help you wake up every weekday morning, is the morning crew’s DJ Spex, alongside his partner in crime DJ Row. Tagged as the ‘terrible two’, the pair bounce off each other well as they keep up with their audience on Facebook and Twitter, hold competitions and have you hooked with daily instalments of ‘Riddle Me This’ and ‘Who Am I?’.

Plus you can even get your birthday shout outs in.

With presenters and radio DJ’s including members of the OX4 public, this personal touch gives the station a more homely feel as radio regulars entertain their listeners in their daily time slots, whilst getting in your requests, giving community news updates and getting you, the listeners in- DJ Spex can also be heard with his co-workers when promotions team 2Xclusive get everyone’s Saturday

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nights started with great ban- where Marsha, Bobby Dee, ter, tunes and their ‘Par of the Sarah and 2Xclusive are concerned.

Week’.

Also making her mark on the radio, is a woman who is known for bringing out the best in kids and young adults in her community, as well as putting on events all in aid of helping her locals. Youth project leader Marsha Jackson can be heard on ‘The CDI Project’ along with co-worker Claire Ford every Saturday morning from 10am.

Image Source: OX105FM

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xford has a new radio station and to many, it’s what they’ve been waiting for for a very long time. Offering a regular dose of rnb, hiphop, garage, reggae and more, music lovers of commercial and mainstream genres of music, as well as the alternatives, can get all they want and more by tuning into OX105FM.

www.ox105fm.com

Promising non-stop jamz and community led fun, OX105FM give the public what they want. And after a

You can also catch L’ART favourite Dj Platinum on the airwaves every Tuesday night.

“I was one of the original radio presenters on OX105 when it was OX4FM,” he explained.

After temporarily giving radio a back seat to break on to the club scene, Platinum can now be heard 11pm-1am every week as a guest feature alongside the Natural EleSounding great in the Satur- ments Show. day summer sunshine is duo Bobby Dee and Sarah with Here’s hoping this station is their Soul-a-coaster session. here to stay! Head to page 21 Giving you classic drive time to see what regular listeners tunes and kick back bangers, have to say. L’ART your Saturday listening is pretty much sorted for the day

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enni Middleton’s love for dance, stemmed from sibling love at the age of three.

Wanting to follow in the steps of her older sister, she started tagging along to classes as her “annoying younger sibling” she recalls. “It wasn’t long before I was going every week, taking dance exams and performing in shows and pantos in Oxford.”

Facebook- Raw Diva

With opportunities to learn from some of the best dance professionals in the industry, Jenni has also been inspired by other performers she’s been honoured to meet and observe, as she developed her dancing as a talent and a career. “It’s been an honour to work with such talented people both in training and professionMoving on to her time after ally.” school and performing in the area of dance, Jenni describes So following the four years she spent pro- graduation, how fessionally training in Cam- does a profesbridge. Attending the pres- sionally trained tigious Bodywork Company dancer make her Dance Studios, as much as mark on the scene to showshe enjoyed her experience, case her newly learnt techit wasn’t all fun and games. nique and growth? “When “We trained from 8.30am - I left college and came back 6.30pm every day and there to Oxford, I was looking for were optional evening classes classes to keep up my fittoo - it’s definitely a career ness levels and maintain the you have to be sure about be- level of training I received. I cause the physical demand on couldn’t find what I was lookyour body is incredible.” ing for, so I created it!”

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L’ART And this saw the birth of Raw Diva. “I’ve been to a lot of classes where competitiveness completely takes over and the element of fun and friendship disappears. I wanted to bring this back. I believe in high standards and hard work, but if it’s not fun and you don’t make friends then how can you truly enjoy it? Raw Diva is like a family and I think it fills the gap that was missing in Oxford.”

“They make all of the hard work worth it. If I’ve had a stressful day, I walk into the studio, see the girls and it leaves me completely.

The drive the girls have to push themselves constantly challenges me to do more; to initiate more opportunities to perform, to create more complex choreography and to be the best teacher I can be.”

Twitter @rawdivaoxford

The Diva’s are known in Oxford for supporting great causes. Commending the girls on their big hearts and ambition to help others as much as they can, Jenni explains how one of their aims is to try and combine their passion for performing, particularly with local projects in order to raise money and awareness for worthy causes. Just last year the girls joined the many individual and group acts of singing, dancing and acting who support and help raise funds for the Miss P Foundation (see page 18). Joining the second half back in 2011 celebrating Motown, the Diva’s gave a clean, sharp and eye catching performance to Edwin Starr’s ‘War’, which ran into a powerful performance to Beyonce’s ‘Run The World (Girls)’. Very fitting as the strong group of 15 plus strutted their stuff across the New Theatre’s stage. They were even invited to perform at the Clothes Show/Dance

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L’ART Image Source: 1. Co-ord Stripe Fluid Blazer - Topshop 2. Tie Dye Bra Top - Miss Selfridge 3. Wet Look Leggings - Topshop 4.

Warehouse Diamond Oversized Bag - Asos 5. Beige Leather Look Brogues - Boohoo 6. Red Poster Girl Print Sweatshirt - River Island 7. Black Skinny Jeans - River Island 8. Burgundy Breton Stripe Polo - Topman 9. Nike Sweet Classic Hi Trainers - Schuh

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Image Source: Raw Diva/ Jenni Middleton, world dance management

Show Live (Issue 5) at the conduct workshops for stuBirmingham NEC, which dents who might not normally Jenni described as being “a get to watch live theatre. real honour”.

Looking back on her achieve“Aside from Raw Diva, I am a ments to date, Jenni highly co-founder of Troika Theatre commends her experience Company - a young company at Bodywork Company for full of ambition to produce opening several doors to her quality, thought-provoking these past years. “Dance theatre.” As well as having school has given me opporthe title of co-founder and be- tunities that I would never ing able to use and enjoy the have had without training; craft she was trained in, Jenni I’ve worked in plays and muparticularly likes that Troika sicals, danced in videos and is also a chance for her to even had a part in a Harry keep performing, as well as Potter film! bringing travel opportunities for her to do something she “The Divas mean everything loves. to me. They are always learn“Every year we go to differ- ing and striving for bigger ent countries to perform and and better things!” L’ART

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L’ART LookBook Neon Colours

Women

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2. £28

£60

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veryone has the urge to buy at least one item from a retail store that they wouldn’t necessarily go for, but it’s still you. That’s why we want to focus on five styles/trends that anyone can look to for inspiration. If you want to think out of your fashion ‘box’ today, take a look...

£38

£18

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5.

Men

£26 £18

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8.

£25

9. £20

£55

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Image Source: 1. Harlequin Printed Shirt - Oasis 2. Dark Red Wide Leg Trousers - River Island 3. City Bag With Metallic Clasp - Zara 4. Satin Colour Block Wedges - New Look

12 Prints

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For The Ladies

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£25

£35

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£29.99 £27.99

Image Source: 1. Green Pencil Skirt with PU Waistband - Dorothy Perkins 2. Workwear Pintuck Shirt - Oasis 3. Oversized Bowler - Asos 4.

Black Heel Hiker Ankle Boot - Dorothy Perkins 5. Wedgewood Blue Long Sleeved Oxford Shirt - New Look 6. Purple Smart Trousers - River Island 7. Brown Elbow Patch Cardigan - Topman 8. Flat Perforated Brown Shoes - Topman

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Women

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£13.70 £30

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£40

A Day At The Office

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£40

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Men

£14.99

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£30

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£23

8. £38

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Image Source: 1. Lace Strappy Sundress - Topshop 2. Swirl Print Cover Up - Miss Selfridge 3. Pink & Orange Bangles - New Look 4. Fusion Tan Ankle Chain Sandal - Miss Selfridge 5. White Harlem Showcase Print T-Shirt - River Island 6. Blue Twisted Seam Shorts - Topman 7. Grey Classic Vans - Schuh

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14 £36

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2. £30

£7.99

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7. £45

Festival Time 2.

4. £39

Men

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£16 £30

Image Source: 1. Lemon Daisy Bandeau - Dorothy Perkins 2. Lemon Daisy Pant - Dorothy Perkins 3. Anchor Bikini Top - Oasis 4. Anchor Bikini Bottom - Oasis 5. Gold Leopard Cut-Out Swimsuit - Dorothy Perkins 6. Red Tummy Control Swimsuit - Dorothy Perkins 7. White Multi Colour Front Stitch Dress - River Island 8. Pink Maxi Cover Up - Topshop 9. White Brim Hat With Ribbon - Zara 10. Two-Tone Sandal - Zara 11. Blue Bird Cut Out Cover Up - Topshop 12. Two-Tone Graduated Glasses - Zara

L’ART Women L’ART

Ladies Beachwear

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£10.80

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£8.10

8. £38

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For The Ladies

£18 £21.60

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4. £25.20

£14

7. £28

9. £25.99

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£19.99 £28

£17.99 L’ART

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Facebook- The Dance Company achieved international recognition from some of the top choreographers and movie producers out there.

With funding from the O2, the result meant the ball has been set rolling for the company’s own charitable dance event taking place on Sunday April 29th.

The Dance Company

Following their penned phrase ‘inhale music, exhale dance’, The Dance Company pride themselves on teaching and giving back to their community and with weekly classes taught by members of the team, the group is off to a

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good start.

And that’s not all. Every month the dancers give back to their student body and showcase and host their own student event, catering for nearly 3,000 people. Having recently signed a deal with Leeds Metropolitan University to teach hip-hop and house styles at residential accommodations and with plans in the pipeline to begin teaching Zumba to continue to promote fitness, what better time to sign up and get fit through the enjoyment of dance?... especially seeing as they’ve even

Image Source: The Dance Company

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f you think back to December, I guess a lot of you were counting down the days until Christmas and the party season. As well as all that, a group of dancers were busy making big plans for an explosion of creativity, fundraising and awareness for 2012; all in the name of dance.

the best dancers in the world and the top celebrities of our time supporting this event.

One night, one cause”, they explain.

Six-D members Levon and Pierre who have worked with dance royalty such as LaurieAnn Gibson and had you singing ‘The Best Night’ will also be attending The Dance Company’s fundraiser, along with the cast of BBC drama Waterloo Road. It’s going to be a memorable one that’s for sure.

Leading the team is dancer and Leeds University student Raymond. Keeping his head in his studies but finding plenty of time for The Dance Company, he created the company to share his passion for Raymond also had more news. the art and allow himself and “I have created my own film others to create a movement. company called Motion Parallax. It will focus on short The big event will support films, adverts and dance concharities that raise funds for cept videos.” children in need around the world. All dance styles and We look forward to seeing acts are welcome to join The more!L’ART Dance Company on the big night.

“We will be looking to have Twitter @TheDanceCoUK

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“I Believe I Can” Catch up on the latest Miss P news

A Word From The MPF Founder/ Director: Ms Beverley Harry

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ISS P FAMILY Each year we have a number of new dancers and performers that join the Miss P Family and 2011 was no exception. We welcomed Raw Diva, Dance Connections, Jake Dean, DL Phunk, Bizzy and the Mess, Ollie Cousins, Ellie and Chloe, Jacob Yolland, Helen Wadge, Manu Ahmed and a special Pegasus theatre reunion of ‘Spin Off’

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dance group revisiting a firm favourite to Stevie Wonder’s ‘Redemption Song’. Thank you so much for joining the Miss P family.

FUNDING We started this venture because Portia needed financial support in order to attend the Urdang Academy in September 2009. It seems surreal that she is now in the throes

of planning her graduation in June. After gaining the full scholarship, the Miss P foundation was less financially responsible to Portia and this meant that we could continue to raise funds for the benefit of young people in and around the Oxford area. As a result, our funding window will be open very soon and we are currently accepting applications so visit our website www.misspfoundation.com.

MISS P 2012 This year we are taking on the task of producing the Wiz in the first half (see below) and I hope that you will all join us in making that happen. Since the death of singer Whitney Houston, we thought it fitting to mark her passing by dedicating the second half of the show to her music. The plan is to have a list of her songs attached to your invitation to perform as soon as we secure a date from the New Theatre. In particular, it would be

special if a number of singers would perform some of her well known songs, so if you know of anyone please let me know by sending an email to themisspfoundation@ gmail.com. Also, have you seen seen the 2011 images on the website? They are a real reminder of the great evening.

This has been a wonderful journey and I continue to thank you for your support and suggestions over the past three years. My team and I are planning a number of events (see below) for your benefit and our dream is to continue growing and to raise more funds to help young people nurture their visions in the arts.

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WORD ON THE STREET

Future Events..

The Wiz auditions: spread the word This year, the first half of the fundraiser is a production of The Wiz– the African American adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Open auditions will be held for the four main characters and everyone is welcome to audition in front of the Miss P panel for their preferred role.

After the launch of OX105FM, here is what you think of your new radio station.

If you enjoy singing, acting and dancing, then this is the perfect time for you to help us find our main characters, which include Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion, Glinda The Good (Witch) and more.

A venue for the auditions is yet to be confirmed but they will take place on April 29th 2012. For more information on this, the workshop and prize-winning dance-a-thon, check out the Miss P newsletter issue 2 on our website.

Keep an eye out for dates and venue confirmation! L’ART

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Image Source: Miss P Foundation

Music event With live music from several acts, a great atmosphere and a chance for talented musicians to share their craft, the team will provide a local experience this summer, celebrating music ahead of the fourth annual Miss P Fundraiser.

Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org, OX105

“A new community radio station in East Oxford. Pretty cool I think.”

“Chilling to OX105 Radio.

Always needed a station like this.”

“The fact I can now tune into OX105 Radio at work has just made my mornings much better.”

“Finally decent music throughout the day.”

“It’s good to hear the CDI family back on air and to hear local talent Fio. Keep up the good work peeps.”

“I have promoted this radio station a lot today. I love it!”

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BG Records Local label BG Records has been cropping up a lot as of late when L’ART talk to local musicians, but what’s its background? We talk with head woman Zahra & here’s what she had to say...

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ow did BG Records start?

I used to be in a band called BabyGravy. We had a few negative experiences with record labels so we decided to release our own music on our own label. That year I decided to put out mixtapes and EP’s by local artists that I liked. I used the labels name to put on gigs and workshops around the city.

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By Iona Roisin

What’s your working relationship like with previous L’ART features N-zyme & Jael?

N-zyme is an old school friend that I have been making music with for about five years. He has collaborated and toured with my band and supported the work I do with young people around Oxford for many years. We are finally getting his debut EP together. We produced ‘Crow’

Image Source: Zahra/ BG Records

You recently had an event at Baby Simple bar. What was the aim of the night?

We decided to launch Astar, Blueprint & N-

in a moment of madness; we both just make music because we love it!

zyme’s new mixtape and create a pop up 14+ event to showcase local talent. There is a severe lack of venues that allow under 18’s. I think it is important to be able to give young people their first gig experiences in a supportive environment, so we held a freestyle at the end that anyone could sign up for. The event was a great success!

I met Jael last year through the Ark T Music Project. She has completely come into her own with song writing. Her knowledge of music, past and present, is way beyond her years. We are beginning the process of writing her EP, which should be a breath of fresh air to the music scene.

What can we expect from BG Records in the future?

We are currently working towards Death of Hifi’s album launch party at the O2 Academy in June, with some big names attached to the bill, who will be revealed very shortly. We have a roster of 10 artists at the moment, who are working on various records.

By Kal Ahmed

More music videos are being filmed as we speak; becoming weirder and more wonderful. We also aim to continue our regular cypher sessions, which mix up artists from all over the county.

Where do you want to take BG Records?

I want to keep consistent at the moment and build up a collective of like minded artists who support each other and the community around them. It seems to be more about competition, not about moving forward as a unit.

The local ‘urban’ music scene lacks that.L’ART

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