PURE mag May 2010 by David Kavanagh

May Issue

The cougar gets her claws out

Pure’s WIN a place at e screening exclusive privat

Derry’s funkiest music festival kicks off

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7-9

Courtney Cox: the Cougar Town star talks candidly about life after 40

14 - 15:

Win tickets for Pure’s gala Sex and the City 2 private screening

22 - 23:

Film feature: We talk to The Road director John Hillcoat

26:

The Japanese Popstars: the Derry dance band fill us in on their latest exploits

28 - 29: Pure magazine’s expanding - read all about our big news here! 32:

Get ready to jive: Pure gets geared up for the City of Derry Jazz Festival

34:

Eli Paperboy Reed: We chat exclusively to the latest soul sensation

38:

Festival fever: Our essential guide to the pick of this summer’s music festivals

PURE MAGAZINE TEAM 10 Carlisle Road, L’Derry BT48 6JN t/ 02871 3777 07 PUBLISHING, EDITORIAL & PR: David Kavanagh, DIRECTOR e/ david@pureinc.co.uk Sinead Melaugh, DIRECTOR e/ Sinead@pureinc.co.uk Mary-Anne Mc Nulty, editor e/ maryanne@pureinc.co.uk Charlene McFeely, contributor e/ info@pureinc.co.uk Niall Gray, contributor e/ info@pureinc.co.uk DESIGN TEAM: Martina Duncan e/ martina@pureinc.co.uk

plus a host of great regular features, including interiors, travel and much much more

AND NOW FOR THE LEGAL BIT The thoughts, views and opinions expressed within this publication are exclusively those of the author, and neither the publishers nor the editorial team accepts responsibility for them. Pure magazine is published by PURE INC Ltd and all information held within this publication was current at time of going to press. PURE INC Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors, spelling mistakes or amendments to be made. For further information please contact directors@pureinc.co.uk

PUBLISHERS’ MESSAGE Welcome to the May edition of Pure magazine! April was a funny month: sun, then rain, then more rain and then the dreaded volcanic ash cloud wreaked havoc on the airlines, scuppering many of our readers’ plans to catch some much-needed rays on a Spanish beach. If the papers are anything to go by, we might be stuck with this ash cloud for quite some time, but fear not readers, Pure is here, as ever, to brighten up your day! This month our roving showbiz reporter was in LA to talk to Courtney Cox about her new smash hit Cougar Town on Living TV, a hilarious show about a 40 plus divorcee with a taste for younger men. Courtney gives us the inside scoop on the show and life for her after Friends. We also spoke to to the director of acclaimed film The Road and caught up with The Japanese Popstars – a local band on the brink of major stardom! We’ve brought our release date forward this month to remind you all not to miss the brilliant City of Derry Jazz Festival. We’ve picked out a few gigs we think will be really special, but to be honest we wanted to include everything as the entire programme is great and practically every bar, restaurant and club in Derry is involved, which is a fantastic thing for the city that we should all support.

And...in preparation for next month’s Sex and the City 2 issue (we’ve scored the mother of all exclusives ... guaranteed press time with SJP herself!) we’ve hired out the whole of the Omniplex’s screen one (yes, you heard us right) for the opening night on Friday May 28th so that you, our loyal readers and supporters can check out the latest antics of Carrie, Samantha and all the girls first and it’s on us! Find out how to get your hands on tickets to our exclusive premiere on Pages 14 and 15. We’re growing too! Our magazine has now gone digital with our new home online (www.pure-mag. co.uk launching May 2010) and it’s official: we’re opening a second office and Pure magazine in Belfast over the summer, so read more about this and find out our current job vacancies on pages 28 and 29. As ever, please take the time to check what out our advertisers have to offer you, as without them, we wouldn’t exist! Happy May readers! Have a great May Love David & Sinead x

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

THE CAT THAT GOT THE CREAM Former Friends actress and star of new American smash show Cougar Town talks to Pureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Karen Hockney about her new role, nudity and the joys of being 40 plus...

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

“There are cougar parties at bars in LA.

Women are just doing what

men have done for a long time”

Courteney Cox sweeps into an unglamorous meeting room at a Los Angeles TV studio looking every inch the Hollywood superstar. Her tiny frame sports a canary yellow jumper and skinny jeans and she looks natural, make-up free and strikingly normal. We’re here to talk about her first comedy since Friends, Cougar Town, in which she portrays a 40-something single mum of a teen who’s learning the dating ropes alongside her horrified son as she ventures, post-divorce, back into the relationship jungle, more often than not with men half her age. Apart from the fact that Cox, who is looking fab at 45, is happily married to her own toyboy, actor and director David Arquette (38), there’s a lot she puts her hand up to

sharing with her alter ego Jules. “This is a wish fulfilment show for a lot of women in their 40s,” she says with a grin. “I used to think that cougars were older women who had lots of plastic surgery so they could date younger guys, but now that I’m a cougar I think differently! “Men’s sexual peak is around their early 20s and, for women, it’s in their early 40s, so it makes sense older women going out with younger guys. As women become older, they want to become more sexual as they try and stay young. You should be happy with who you are.” Cox certainly seems happy in her own skin, and courageously stripped off in the Living series to reveal pretty much all. “It was pretty brave, I’ll say,” she says with a grimace. “In the opening scene of the show

I showed my elbow skin, my legs and belly. I did this scene recently in a bubble bath where I have little nipple petals, sitting in lukewarm pond water and the bubbles are disappearing! I asked the set decorator to bring more bubbles! No one, especially me, looks good with overhead lighting in the middle of the day, period. So I just made sure that didn’t happen. It does make you want to work out more.” Like most women in their 40s, she isn’t altogether comfortable with the ageing process. “Let me tell you what’s hard - turning 45. That one struck a nerve,” she reveals. “I just turned 45 a couple of months ago. Maybe I’ll stop talking about it and telling people! I don’t want to get any older but this is a great time for me.’ Are the 40s the new 30s then? “I would

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

“No one, especially me, looks good with overhead lighting in the middle of the day”

Cougar Town is on Living TV, Tuesdays, 9pm

Having spent ten years playing the adorably obsessive clean freak Monica Geller in Friends, Cox, who also starred in the Scream movies, deliberately moved away from comedy with candid TV drama Dirt, in which she played a tough-talking tabloid editor. The series was cancelled after two series and recently, with her thoughts turning towards comedy, she met Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence. “It was time for me to do that,” she admits. “After Friends I didn’t do anything for a while and then we created Dirt. It had the potential to be a great show but a lot of things were missed here and there in the conception of it. But after that I was ready to laugh and have fun and be silly. I met Bill for the first time, and the show is really written in my voice because he took time to get to know my humour.” When she isn’t working, Cox enjoys being at home in Malibu with David and their five-year-old daughter Coco. “One of the good things about our relationship is we’ve been able to meld our personalities and tastes together,” she says of David, who she met on Scream. “Coco is great fun, she comes on set with me.” Jennifer Aniston is a regular visitor at weekends and Cox has high hopes of persuading her close friend to guest star on the show following Lisa Kudrow’s upcoming appearance as a plastic surgeon.”Who knows?” she says with a knowing smile. “Hopefully that will happen one day; we’ll see.”

say, yeah, I think so! I’ve heard there are cougar parties at bars in LA. Women are just doing what men have done for a long time.” As executive producer of the show, she was also involved in choosing some of the younger cast members that Jules gets involved with. “Well hello! Are you kidding, I was so involved!” she says with a laugh. “Now that I’m working it’s harder to be involved with the new little cubs that I seem to be preying on, maybe I need to get in there for that.” Then there’s her ‘will-they-won’t they’ love/hate relationship with her hot neighbour Grayson, played by Josh Hopkins. Cox doesn’t want to give too much away, adding: “I don’t know what will happen with my future with Josh but there’s definitely some chemistry with us. I don’t know about marriage but I’m sure there will be a lot of push and pull. They have already admitted that they think each other is cute.”

Pure takes a look at Hollywood’s most notorious cougars... Demi Moore

Madonna

Elizabeth Taylor

Cameron Diaz

Barbara Hershey

The provocative actress hooked up with youthful Ashton Kutcher when she was 40 and he was 25. Got married in 2005 and are still together today.

Madge was 42 when she married 32-year-old Guy Ritchie in 2000. They’ve since divorced, but her cougar ways have continued and she’s just ended a fling with model Jesus Luz (24).

At the ripe old age of 59, marrige addict Liz said ‘I do’ for the eighth time to builder Larry Fortensky, despite a 20-year age gap. They lasted five years before divorcing in 1996.

Cam broke the hearts of countless teenage girls in 2003 when, aged 30, she bagged pin-up Justin Timberlake, just 22, for herself. The pair split in 2007.

The 62-year-old is with Lost star Naveen Andrews (41). Andrews fathered a child with another woman when the pair split in 2005, but they have since been reconciled.

WOMENS PAGES

Channel 4 presenter Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung Lace shift dress £55 €90-Dorothy Perkins Satchel Available at Asos in May

Red or Dead Lolly £74.99/€110 – Schuh Pistol necklace £16-Beyond Retro

Spirit and the City... Girls, slip into your best Manolos and get yourself along to a special Sex and the City-themed spectacular at Da Vinci’s Spirit Bar this month. The ‘girls night in’ event is being held to celebrate the release of SATC 2, and if you’re a fan of clothes, cocktails and girly chat, this night will be right up your 42nd Street! The £5 ticket price will entitle you to a free Cosmopolitan on arrival, a special cocktailmaking demonstration and hosts of other treats, including a raffle giving away loads of SATC-related goodies. All ticket proceeds are going to Macmillan Cancer Support, which is another great reason to get involved. But the best bit is that Pure has been invited to join an elite panel of VIP judges for a ‘best turned out’ contest, so don’t say we didn’t warn you! One of us will be casting a sharp fashion eye over your clothes, hair and make-up, so put on your gladdest rags and let the best Carrie Bradshaw win! The event is being staged at Da Vinci’s Spirit Bar at 7.30pm on Sunday 30th May, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Trend Spotter Lace

Save Splurge

Libby lace dress, French Connection, £95

Lace cardigan, Dorothy Perkins, £25

Steal

Lace tee-shirt, Primark, £8

Let the sun shine

ts All produc at availablems, ha Deben de Foylesi

Pure recommends a range of products that are guaranteed to get you in full summer swing

Face Facts

with make-up expert Naomi Murphy from Debenhams’ bareMinerals counter

Little Miss Sunshine

Ladies, summer is fast approaching, so it’s time to say goodbye Mr Frosty and hello Mr Sunshine! We all want that effortless look of a sun-kissed glow which is very on trend right now, and no-one has this look down to a fine art more than Hollywood’s girl next door Jennifer Aniston. So girls, here’s how to achieve your very own sun-kissed look with bareMinerals:

Escada Marine Groove, £21 (30ml)

Body

Start with BareEscentuals Faux Tan. Simply apply all over the body and face the night before, and shower off the next morning.

Face

Escada’s summer scents never fail to impress and this year’s offering is no exception. Marine Groove’s tangtastic citrus aroma is fruity and feminine, while a subtle musky undertone gives added allure. It smells very similar to the popular Ralph Lauren for women, and the citrus note is so inviting you better watch out your fella doesn’t take a bite out of your neck!

Smashbox O-Bronze, £20

This creamy bronzer gives your cheeks a gorgeous sunkissed glow and can be applied easily with the fingers. The little nutrient-packed beads break up on application to achieve your custom shade. If your complexion is quite tan to begin with you may find you need to apply a little more product than those with fairer skin, but it’s well worth splurging when the finish is so polished.

Bare Escentuals Faux Tan, £13

Now that you have your golden tan sorted, let’s start with getting a flawless complexion! Your next step is to apply Prime Time oil control which will help keep shine at bay. Start buffing Medium Tan Mineral foundation all over your face until you get your desired coverage, then apply Warmth face colour in the shape of the number three and letter ‘E’ - this is where the sun would naturally hit your face - then finish with Tinted Mineral Veil which gives your skin a flawless glow. A handy hint: if you smile, this will show the apples of your cheeks, which is where you want to apply blusher in Laughter which will give your cheeks a lovely coral glow.

Eyes

For the eyes let’s keep it simple and apply Queen Phyllis glimmer eye shadow all over the eyelid from your brow bone down to your eye socket, then sweep Beautiful Autumn, a gorgeous golden colour, over your eye from lash line to your eye crease. Define your ey by lining your lash line with Tigers Eye. Finish with lashings of Flawless Definition mascara.

Lips

To get that kissable pout apply a generous amount of Buxom Babes in Candi, which has a natural menthol tingle giving you that fresh feeling.

Benefit Dallas, Benefit Moon Beam, £17.50 Due to the unpredictability of our weather, you’d be wise not to rely too heavily on Mother Nature for your summer tan this year. Fortunately, Bare Escentual’s quality tanner is almost as good as the real thing. This one has an amazing smell and is quite subtle, so there’s no danger of getting the ‘you’ve been Tangoed’ look! But its best asset is that is wears off as evenly as it goes on, ensuring there’s no unslightly splotches.

This iridescent complexion enhancer is really versatile: it can be used as a spot highlighter on cheek and brow bones or blended all over. A little goes a long way - always a plus when you’re splashing the cash for a quality brand - and there’s a nice, non-oily finish. Fans of Benefit’s High Beam who are looking for a slightly less dramatic shimmer for daytime use will love this.

£23.50

This velevty powder is a beautiful cross between a bronzer and blusher, and acts as a great pick me up on fair skin. The effect is highly authentic, and you’ll have loads of envious friends asking if you’ve been on an exotic holiday! It has a nice shimmer and a warm plummy rose tint. Dallas doesn’t come cheap, but for good reason: it lasts forever and, like sister product Moon Beam, a little goes a long way.

Ask Naomi Q Naomi, I have really dark circle round my eyes and foundation doesn’t seem to cover it. Can you help? Joanne, Derry A It’s best to conceal after your foundation. Apply a small amount of Bisque around the eye area with a maximum concealer brush: do this in soft patting movements around the eye area to help camouflage the dark areas. To brighten use award-winning brightening mineral Well Rested that diminishes that sleep deprived look.

Got a question? Ask Naomi! email: naomi@pure-mag.co.uk

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WOMEN’S PAGES Strike a pose: The world of professional modelling can be exciting and different

Keep it simple: Your application photo should be clean and natural

Hi Grainne. How long has Converse been going? Converse Model Agency has just celebrated the second year in business. We launched in February 2008 and have now expanded to Belfast. Do you get many applications? From day one we’ve been inundated - the site crashed in the first week there were so many from the North West trying to access it to apply! We have some amazing models from Derry on our books, including Miss Ireland Laura Patterson, and the Miss Earths of 2008 and 2009. We now receive applications from all over and they still come through on a daily basis. What opportunities are there for girls in this area who want to get into modelling? A career in modelling can offer fantastic opportunities to travel the world, meet diverse and interesting people and generate a good income. There are some great opportunities for local girls who want to get involved in modelling part time, and we’ve supplied models for Belfast Fashion Week, Living Dolls and Getting Married in NI Magazine to name a few. It’s a great way of getting experience in the industry in all aspects including catwalk,

Fancy a career on the catwalk? Pure asked Grainne Devine, manager of Derry’s Converse Model Agency, for some tips on how to break into the industry photographic and promotions. How would someone go about applying? What should a desirable portfolio include? All people have to do is visit www.conversemodels. com and click on the apply button. Application photos don’t have to be professional, but a good clear head shot and full-length shot are essential, in order for your application to be considered. What are the dos and don’ts when it comes to breaking into the modelling game? Models must work hard to look their best - a healthy diet, regular exercise and general TLC are essential. What you wear is also important. But looking great is only half the job. Being professional is a must. This means turning up on time, having a positive attitude and generally getting along with everyone at the casting or on the shoot. If you can do all this, your chances of a good career will increase enormously. Remember that competition for work is fierce and standards today are higher than ever. What are the pitfalls associated with the modelling game? What dangers should aspiring models be on the lookout for?

We’ve gone a little closer to home this month to showcase the unique and quirky jewellery designs of Sarah Graham. Sarah, from Tandragee, Armagh, is in the early stages of building up her business, but thanks to the current trend of advertising through social networking site Facebook, she’s already starting to get noticed. “ I set up a Facebook page for my company, Freckle Jewellery,” says Sarah, “and the response I’ve been getting is crazy. I had no idea it would kick off so well when I started out six months ago.” Though having recently completed a law degree, Sarah’s childhood love of jewellery-making has now been revived with a vengeance, and her quirky collection of necklaces,

Models must be very aware of certain things not to get caught out with when entering the industry. Some photographers or people acting as agents will try to charge them a ridiculous amount to get their portfolio started. It doesn’t cost that much to have photographs done by a good, reputable photographer. There are plenty of good ones in Northern Ireland, people do not have to travel to England and pay thousands of pounds for their book. Also, models must not be afraid of rejection. You must have a thick skin and not take it personally if you aren’t booked for a job. Can good money be made? Would an aspiring model have to lay out quite a bit of their own money at the start to get portfolio pictures taken etc? It’s important to be aware that today modelling is a highly competitive industry where, however good your look, success can only be achieved with certain vital ingredients: dedication, a professional approach, a good agent and a bit of luck. There are a number of fantastic fashion photographers in Northern Ireland who won’t charge you an arm and a leg for a shoot, with hair stylist and make-up artist, and then permit you full use of all your images.

bracelets and rings is bound to be a big hit with the younger generation. Using everything from recylcled bottle caps to scrabble tiles, Sarah’s funloving and at times tongue-incheek aesthetic is perfect for teenagers and young adults - not to mention the young at heart - who like to wear jewellery that comes with a twist. Says Sarah: “Clotheswise, I’m always wearing something bright and bold. Even in the winter I’ll always have a bright colour on and I try to bring this to the jewellery by using bright and eye-catching objects.” To see more of Sarah’s designs visit her Freckle Jewellery page on Facebook or email freckle-jewellery@ hotmail.co.uk

Why we like her: Quirky and unusual Fun-loving and youthful Affordable Unafraid to be different

Finance options available 7 Culmore Point Road, Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Derry, N.Ireland. BT48 8JW t: 028 7135 5566 f: 028 7135 5512 info@whiteroseclinic.com www.whiteroseclinic.com

A VIP INVITES YOU TO

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How to enter:

Fancy a front row seat at the hottest opening night in town? Dying to get your glad rags on and enjoy a plush drinks and canape reception before the screening? Well, look no further, as Pure is thrilled to announce that we’re laying on a superb gala event to celebrate the long-awaited arrival of the new Sex and the City movie at Derry’s Omniplex. We’ve hired out the whole of screen one (yes, you heard us right) for the opening night on Friday May 28th so that you, our loyal readers and supporters, can check out the latest antics of Carrie, Samantha and all the girls first - and it’s on us! We’ve organised this event to say a big thank-

you to everyone who’s helped make Pure magazine such a success story over the past six months, and we couldn’t think of a better way to do it than by inviting everyone to dig out their glammest frocks and roll up for a night of fashion, film and fun. Sadly, there isn’t a cinema big enough to hold all our loyal readers, so if you don’t want to miss out then check out our competition entry details and stake your claim for a free place now. All winners will receive a pair of tickets, so you can take someone along with you to enjoy what promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s social calendar!

Be a winner on the night... Our fashion experts will be casting a roving eye over all thegals attending our special drinks reception at the Strand Bar in order to award a ‘Best Dressed Lady’ prize. One lucky - and super stylish! - winner will receive a fantastic package of treats containing fantastic prizes donated by:

• Richmond Centre • Suede Hair Salon • Waterfoot Hotel and more

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Email your name, address and telephone number to sex@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘Pure premiere’, telling us in 40 words or less why you think you should win a pair of tickets for the event.The entry deadline is 12pm on Monday May 17, 2010. Winners will be notified via email or telephone. All entrants must be over 18. The editor’s decision is final.

Scarf print cardigan £29.99, Janie stripe skirt £21.99, Farah shoes red £44.99

Leopard trilby £24.99, Dora ditsy dress £34.99, Lila lace body £14.99, Smock bubble cardigan £26.99

Jamil dress £44.99, boadicea necklace £29.99, Farah shoes yellow £44.99

Block stripe trilby £14.99, Space dye cardigan £26.99, Ecru scoop tee £12.99, Clock necklace £12.99, Prince red trousers £29.99.

Space dye cardigan £26.99, Sundance spot shirt £29.99, Chunk stripe short £24.99, Nenton deck shoes £34.99.

Perez Cardigan £34.99, Sloppy pocket vest £9.99, Hound Denim Shorts £29.99, Mobo Slouch Bag £29.99, Swizzle Wristbands £9.99.

1 7 All products available from River Island.

MENS PAGES

Great for a boys’ night in: Peter Moore checks out the latest shoot-em-up to hit the market...

Lost Planet 2 (XBox, PS3) Released: May 11th

They delivered the wow factor with their landmark third-person shooter Lost Planet: Extreme Condition a few years ago, and now the games boffins at Capcom have done it again with this highly accomplished and much improved follow-up. The ‘2’ in the title doesn’t refer to game’s sequel element; rather it’s meant to convey the fact that this game is Lost Planet ‘squared’ ie it’s even better than the original. That’s a bold statement to make, but having tried the game out I have to say Capcom’s confidence in their product is totally justified. Visually, it’s a treat. The wonderfully detailed, sweeping 3D environments created by the use of advanced graphic

technology brings the game alive in a way that simply wouldn’t have been dreamt of five years ago, while much of the frozen terrain of the original has been replaced by lush jungle and tropical areas. The action takes place ten years on from the first one, and the face of planet E.D.N. III has changed dramatically. The ice has melted, and players must now negotiate jungles and harsh, unforgiving deserts in the quest to seize control of the planet. No action game would be complete without an arsenal of weaponry, and Lost Planet 2 has a huge variety of hardware for players to unleash on unsuspecting enemies. Machine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers, lasers, sniper rifles, grenades

and a host of other weapons are scattered across the game. However, the game’s biggest weapons come on two legs: the heavily armed and armoured robotic vital suits return in greater numbers and variety than the first game. But perhaps the game’s biggest attraction is the multi-player element. I was having such a blast making my way through the six interconnected episodes that I thought it would be a good idea to get a few of the lads round to join in. The craic was ninety; we were laughing and shouting away as we piled towards the V-Suits or got caught up in a big shooting sequence. So the final verdict is: great on your own; even better to share.

David Kavanagh checks out Ford’s compact crossover SUV, the Kuga, at Desmond Motors

Ford Kuga The Kuga has emerged as one of the leading models in its market, and it’s not hard to see why. For an on the road tag of £18,495 (rising to £25,995) you get a lot of oomph for your bucks. First up is the look. Ford are enjoying a particularly sexy design phase at the minute, and the shiny and sporty Kuga is no exception. The exterior’s impressive contemporary look is matched by a snappy and expensive-looking interior, and for those who like their vehicle of choice to make a fashion statement, you’ll never look shabby sat behind the wheel of this. I took the Titanium model out for a spin (there’s a Zetec too), and was impressed by several aspects. It’s nifty for a diesel,

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and there’s no annoying rattle of the gearstick when idling, while the high up seat gives the vehicle a nice ‘jeepy’ feel. It’s got automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, and a handy cruise control feature that adds a little touch of luxury. The Kuga boasts an impressive five star NCAP safety rating, and one of its top safety features is an intelligent all wheel drive system that distributes weight to the areas that need it most depending on the conditions of the road. Those who enjoy a leisure lifestyle will find the Kuga right up their street – a hefty 2.1 tonne gross weight at the rear gives the vehicle serious pulling power perfect if your weekend activities involve speedboats, caravans or horses. The model is just as popular with women as it is with men, which is unsurprising given that safety is such a key part of the Kuga’s profile. Plus, it’s got a split tailgate that makes it easy to load shopping bags; perfect for the busy mammy on the go.

Depending on your budget, the Kuga has some really great optional extras such as keyless entry, parking sensors and voicecontrolled Bluetooth. My personal favourite is the power-fold door mirrors: I always forget to turn my wing mirrors in and I’ve lost more than a few as a result of narrow streets and careless drivers! I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much the Kuga gives you for your money.

“a hefty 2.1 tonne gross weight at the rear gives the Kuga serious pulling power” The only niggles I had were that that the boot could have been slightly more spacious and that tall back seat passengers could use a bit more legroom, but other than that I would rate it as a steal for the price; it’s no surprise it’s becoming more and more popular.

MENS PAGES

Get waxed

to the max

Pure reviews Black and White, the hair styling product of the stars Original Wax - If you’re after superb shine and fantastic hold, look no further. Great for taming thick hair and styling choppy bobs or Mohawks. Because of its superior quality it takes a bit of time to wash out, but it’s well worth the effort given the brilliant results. Handy hint: Don’t use this if you have fine or oily hair, and use in small amounts until you have the look you want.

One of the top styling waxes on the market, Black & White has been the preferred choice of Hollywood stars and their stylists for years. The product’s amazing strength and light coconut fragrance makes it stand out as one of the best waxes available, as there’s no mane too unruly or wiry that this resillient little tub can’t conquer! Models, footballers, TV and film stars are all fans, and those of you who have tried it will understand why. With just one small scoop, you can sculp your bonnet to perfection and never have to worry about anything collapsing: a gust of gale force wind is no match for Black & White! A word of warning though, guys: the girls like this stuff too - Linda Evangelista is a big fan of the Lite Wax - , so prepare to do battle with your missus in the bathroom as she’ll try to nick it when your back’s turned! Available at Boots or at www.blackandwhitewax.com

Lite Wax - Created to style hair with the same great formulation and shine as the original, but with less hold. Handy hint: Use on finer hair in small amounts.

Deep Cleansing Shampoo - Renowned for its quick removal of product build up and cleansing of the scalp, this is best used twice-weekly if you’re a regular wax applier. It leaves hair clean, manageable and ready to style with your favourite Black and White aid. Handy hint: Use 3/4 times a week on oily hair or if you experience bad product build-up.

Sunshine

in a botlle Pure’s pick of this summer’s scents

Debenhams are giving £5 off all summer fragrances from 11th 15th May

ck IN2U Heat, £29 (100ml) The strong fruit notes hit you the minute you spray this, but it doesn’t take long for that to calm down and that’s when the lovely spicy undertone kicks in. Very summery and sporty, but quite subtle after a few hours so make sure you’ve got it packed in your cooler bag when you’re sunning yourself at the beach!

Burberry Summer, £34 (100ml) This clean, slightly woody aftershave evokes an image of freshly-laundered sheets blowing in a sun-drenched forest glade. An unusual but delicious pineapple and citrussy top note is rounded off with undertones of cedarwood, mint and thyme.

WIN: Pure has teamed up with Black & White to offer 8 lucky readers the chance to win a set of the above products. See competitions on page 51 for more details.

top summer tips We asked the experts at the Clarins, Clinique and Shiseido counters in Debenhams to recommend their top summer styling tip for men. Here’s what they said: Clarins Moisture Balm, £25 (50ml) “This balm was made for summer,” says Lillian Wright from the Clarins counter. “It’s very light and refreshing, and is particularly good for men with sensitive skin. It’s non-oily and absorbs rapidly, and is extremely soothing for razor burns and any small nicks and cuts.”

Shiseido Moisturising Self Tanner, £23.02 (50ml) “Men love to have a good colour on their faces too,” says Marie Donaghy from Shisedo, “and this product is an essential if we don’t get the summer we’re hoping for. Apply this refreshing cream after shaving and you’re guaranteed an instant radience boost.”

Clinique Age Defence Hydrator, £25.50 (50 ml) “This is definitely my top tip for summer,” says Clinique’s resident expert Mary Robb. “This product has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, which is ideal for defending the skin against harmful rays. It’s really versatile, suits all skin types and ages, and keeps the skin hydrated all day long.”

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a match made in heaven

ÂŁ 1 .99 during football matches

Fantaanstdic drink food promos throughout

All major sport events shown in

HDTV

American pool tables | Entertainment every night | Great drink promos | Students specials | Great menu available

WORLD CUP SPECIAL

Get your kit on The Brazil fan Style: Cool jeans and funky trainers Attitude: Over-confident expectation that Brazil will lift the trophy Drink of choice: Estrella Typical behaviour: Dances when Brazil score, brags about the team’s sublime skill, takes a shot of tequila for every goal Commonly-used phrase: “Kaka just walks past them all” World Cup chances: Will win without even the appearance of trying

The France fan Style: Trousers with razor sharp seams and snappy shirts Attitude: Enjoys stylish football and the finer things in life Drink of choice: A perfectly chilled chablis Typical behaviour: Rages when someone criticises the French team, smiles smugly when France score Commonly used phrase: “That was never a dive - Anelka almost had his legs broken!” World Cup chances: A team of extremes, France will either win it or crash out in the first round

The Germany fan Style: Corduroy trousers and unfashionable shirts Attitude: Nerd-like obsession with team strategy; head filled with unnecessary statistics on the German players Drink of choice: Doesn’t drink. Will watch matches at home Typical behaviour: Debates endlessly on why military-style discipline is better than flamboyance Commonly used phrase: “Brazil should stop dancing around and stick to the objective of the game” World Cup chances: Will beat better teams to the semi-final thanks to robot-like attitude

Sadly, neither Northern Ireland nor the Republic have made it to the World Cup finals in this June, so now’s the time, guys, to pick your team and get your strip on. Pure’s Niall Gray has come up with a tonguein-cheek guide to the typical fan for some of this year’s teams. The question is, which category do you fall into?

The England fan Style: Fred Perry shirts and chelsea boots Attitude: Frustrated that the glory of 1966 can’t be recaptured despite having world class players Drink of choice: Carling Black Label Typical behaviour: Full of bravado at the start; cries like a baby when their star player sees red and costs them the match Commonly used phrase: “If we could just get someone handy on the left wing...” World Cup chances: Will miss out on a place in the final after an agonising penalty shoot-out

The italy fan Style: Black tight ribbed teeshirt and designer sunglasses Attitude: Thinks the Italian players are all ‘mingers’ compared to his Adonis-like self Drink of choice: A girly cocktail - to flaunt the fact that he’s very secure in his sexuality Typical behaviour: Barely sees any football because he’s too busy admiring himself in the bar mirror Commonly-used phrase: “Want to score with me, gorgeous?” World Cup chances: Will reach the final on devastating good looks alone

INTERVIEW

The Road director John Hillcoat

To the ends o To mark the upcoming release on DVD of one of the best films of 2009, Pure speaks to the The Road director John Hillcoat about what motivated him to adapt Cormac McCarthy’s award-winning novel for the silver screen.

For anyone who didn’t get the chance to see The Road during its limited cinema run, we would strongly recommend you get your hands on the DVD when it comes out this month. In a world where the appetite for romcoms and action pics has seen thoughtful, well-crafted dramas become increasingly thin on the ground at the box office, films such as this are to be cherished. Admittedly, it isn’t exactly a bundle of laughs: set in a bleak post-apocalytpic world where a father and young son must navigate their way through a desolate landscape populated by vicious redneck cannibals, The Road isn’t your

typical Saturday night popcorn movie. It requires your full attention; but the emotional pay-off is well worth it. Young Kodi Smit-McPhee’s performance as the vulnerable young boy is a revelation, while the hugely underrated Viggo Mortensen gives an authentic and moving depiction of a man struggling to raise his child in the most dire of circumstances. Besides the acting strengths on offer, The Road is also a cinema enthusiast’sdream. The stunning cinematography by Javier Aquirresarobe rightly made the shortlist at a host of film awards across the States and Europe this year, and his unique vision is another reason to add the DVD to your shopping basket. Few thought that Cormac McCarthy’s surreal, sparse novel could ever be realised on the big screen, with its ‘unfilmability’ up there with the likes of Catcher in the Rye and Catch 22. Talented Australian director John Hillcoat bravely put that theory to the test, however, and here he tells us about the process behind bringing The Road to cinematic life...

Hi John. Many people reckoned Cormac McCarthy’s novel The Road was impossible to adapt. What did you think? Well, the book had a fanatical following. It touched people so deeply, so people have become very interested and protective of that experience, understandably. I remember talking to writers. I luckily got it before it was published, the book, as a manuscript. But when we talked to a handful of writers, there were a couple of big, established writers that said it was impossible to adapt. Even some directors said ‘no chance’. The very structure of the film is in the title… Yeah, it’s a journey, with father and son, and

Moving: Kodi Smit-McPhee and Viggo Mortensen play father and son

they have these obstacles along the way. But at the core, because it’s so profoundly moving, it’s a love story between father and son, and yet they never say ‘I love you’ – but they say it in so many other ways. Also, because it was so personal to McCarthy. There’s something about the emotional intensity between that father and son relationship, that maybe – because people were so moved by it –

INTERVIEW

of the earth they thought ‘How can anyone film this?’

What made you cast Viggo Mortensen in the lead? We needed someone that had an incredible physicality and credibility to go through what he goes through. And also that ‘everyman’ thing. There’s something about his face that’s iconic and timeless, that reminds me of the guys in the old days and pictures of the Great Depression, those Midwest guys on the road through the dustbowl. And the performance is very naked, every range in every scene and nothing to really hide behind. If you hadn’t found Kodi (Smit-McPhee, who plays the Boy), would that have totally derailed the film? Well, yeah. It was certainly the thing we were most sweating on, and Viggo was most concerned about it – as well as I was. We had more conversations about that than anything else. That was my single greatest fear. At that point, it was like freefall off a cliff, waiting to land – land gently or very badly. How did you deal with the darkness surrounding the cannibal scene? We actually intensified that. In the book, after seeing the people in the basement, they had run out and dived down – and then saw them all from a distance. But we thought, ‘this is cinema. Physically, that distance would make the audience go ‘Ah’ and relax.’ But if they’re still trapped in the house, then everyone is going to have that feeling. So there was basic translation between how a book works and how a film works that we had to keep navigating. But we wanted to remain as

faithful as possible to the spirit of the book, and everybody signed up for that.

Were you bothered that the book never explains the cause of the apocalypse? No. To me, it’s one of the most original and simple concepts in the book. It’s nine years after the event and they’re surviving daily, in a very real sense – how do we get to the next day? Charlize Theron’s character chooses suicide… She presents a pretty rational argument. Being brutally honest, between what the man chooses to do and her, it’s a tough call. She’s got every grounds to do what she did. It’s extreme. I think it brings out the best and the worst in people, setting it in this kind of world. Did you ever come to any conclusion then as to what’s happened to the planet? From Cormac’s point of view, he thought it was a comet. But he didn’t want to say. I got that out of him. And actually, scientifically, if a comet of reasonable size hit the earth, it would create a nuclear winter just as a bomb would. In a way, you can argue the whole thing is just a metaphor for mortality, and the fear of mortality – the fear of your own life coming to an end. The entertainment trade magazine Variety’s review was one of the few negative responses to the film… We went to Venice for the first screening, and there was an 11-minute standing ovation. But there were two things that were very disappointing about that review. There was implied reference to the book, but the reviewer never read it, the book. I find that really annoying. If you’re going to make references, you should know what you’re

referring to. But the other thing was, these bloggers just went to town. People that have never seen it started saying ‘cross this off your list’, without seeing it. So that was bad timing. Now, though, the response has been incredible. It’s 92% positive on Rotten Tomatoes!

Win We’ve got three copies of The Road on DVD to give away. To enter, email you name and contact details to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘The Road’. Competition closes at 12pm on Monday 17th May. Terms and conditions apply and the editor’s decision is final.

The Road is out on DVD and Blu-ray on 17 May by Icon Home Entertainment

FILM

COMING THIS MONTH

The Back Up Plan (Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Alex O’Loughlin) Romantic comedy starring J-Lo as a single girl desperate for a child who gets pregnant by artificial means, only to then meet a guy with real ‘possibilities’ soon after. The real fun starts when she reveals to him she was pregnant before they met.

Iron Man 2 (Starring: Robert Downey JR, Scarlett Johansson) Robert Downey Jr reprises his role as Tony Stark, the handsome billionaire playboy also known as Iron Man. Now that stark has gone public with his alterego, the quest by sinister forces to unlock the secrets of his special suit of armour means Stark needs to be at his Iron-clad best to take them on.

Nightmare on Elm Street

Furry Vengeance (Starring: Brendan Fraser, Brooke Shields)

(Starring: Jackie Earl Haley, Katie Cassidy) Freddy’s back! The story of the creepy mass murderer who craves teen prey has been revamped for the latest generation of horror fans to enjoy. The story is similar to the 1984 original: a group of annoying teenagers get haunted in their dreams by a hideously disfigured killer known as Freddy Krueger.

Brendan Fraser stars in this dumb but fun comedy as a real estate developer whose latest project threatens the home of natural forest creatures. The animals seek revenge by turning a peaceful cul-de-sac under construction into a battlefield of epic proportions.

BOOKS

in association with

Foyleside

Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother

The Carrie Diaries

Candace Bushnell

Love and Summer

William Trevor

Claudia Carroll

A nice taster ahead of the upcoming Sex and the City movie, SATC author Candace Bushnell takes us back to the early days of Carrie Bradshaw and follows her life as a high school student - in a small town far removed from the glitz and glamour of New York. This heart-warming tale is predominantly aimed at a younger audience, but Bushnell’s sharp and insightful writing style will win over SATC fans of all ages.

Award-winning Irish writer Trevor (The Story of Lucy Gault) is the master of human insight, and his latest tale doesn’t disappoint. Love and Summer is a brooding tale of love and desire set in the quiet rural town of Rathmoyle. When a handsome stranger comes to town, a chain of events is set off that affects the lives of many in the community. Though elegaic and dark in tone, it’s written with a ligtht touch and there’s flashes of sharp wit.

Funny and engrossing ‘fairytale gone wrong’ account of a young woman’s efforts to piece her love life and career back together following a series of disastrous misfortunes. Carroll is one of chick lit’s finest authors (I Never Fancied Him Anyway; He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not) and she’s served up another sparkling tale that’s tailor made for lazy Saturdays on the garden lounger. Laugh out loud stuff.

Sherlock Holmes (cert: 12)

Edge of Darkness (cert: 15)

44 Inch Chest (cert: 18)

Precious(cert: 15)

Up in the Air (cert: 15)

Robert Downey Jr is charm itself in this witty and exuberant take on the iconic English detective stories. The chemistry between Downey Jr and Jude Law as sidekick Watson is great, while director Guy Ritchie delivers explosive action and a wellpaced plot with typical expertise.

Dark political thriller based on the acclaimed 80s BBC series of the same name. Mel Gibson stars as a tough Boston homicide detective whose quest for revenge for his daughter’s murder sees him uncover a sinister political conspiracy.

Gritty gangster flick from the writers of Sexy Beast featuring a strong ensemble cast including Ray Winstone, John Hurt and Ian McShane. Winstone gives a typically engaging performance as a mobster who kidnaps his wife’s young lover to restore his macho pride.

Moving drama charting the emotional journey of an abused New York teen as she tries to turn her downtrodden life around in 1980s Harlem. Boasts an outstanding Oscar-winning performance from Mo’Nique.

Charming comedy drama starring George Clooney as a corporate trouble shooter who spends the majority of his life in airport lounges and faceless hotel rooms. One of the best films of the year so far.

D’

FILM & MUSIC

The upcoming bank holiday weekend sees the first ever North West Youth Film Festival, which is being hosted jointly by Derry’s Nerve Centre and the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny. This is a fantastic of opportunity for the younger generation to see contemporary classics as well as classic teen films that have been around since before they were but a twinkle in the eye (any teenagers out there who haven’t seen Ferris Bueller’s Day off NEED to go see it). And better yet, all screenings are FREE! The festival will also be a great platform for all the budding Scorseses out there, as young filmmakers from all over the North West will be screening their work alongside some of the best international youth films made in the last year. We’ve had a look at the programme and have picked out some recommendations, but there’s lots more going on, so for more details log on to www.nerve-centre.org.uk or pick up one of the festival programmes available throughout the town.

PURE’S TOP PICKS Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (cert: 15)

Moon (cert: 15A)

Thursday 29th April Nerve Centre, Derry, 8pm

Saturday 1st May Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, 8pm

It’s hard to believe this beloved teen comedy is almost a quarter of a century old: the quips and snappy dialogue in John Hughes’ classic are still as fresh now as they were in 1986. Matthew Broderick was never better as cheeky scoundrel Ferris Bueller, who demonstrates remarkabe ingenuity and charm in his quest to skive school for the day.

Things start to go wrong for astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) as he completes his work on the dark side of the moon. Deserved winner of a host of independent film awards, Moon is a moving and engaging film about what it means to be human.

Irish/International shorts (In Competition)

American Pie (cert: 15)

Saturday 1st May, 3pm

Friday 30th April Nerve Centre, Derry, 8pm

A screening of the very best Irish/ International youth-produced short films, and a chance to see the work of budding cinematic artists at an exciting stage in their development. The films aren’t classified, but some may not be suitable for a very young audience.

A classic coming-of-age comedy charting the hilarious efforts of a group of gawky American teens as they try to navigate their way awkwardly into manhood. The risque humour is tempered by warm and good-natured performances from the fresh-faced leads.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH

Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed Come and Get It The US soul sensation’s first major label release is an exciting collection of authentically gritty and sexy tunes. Reed’s bluesy style harks back to the days of classic Motown, but his forthright style ensures a fresh and contemporary sound. Stand-out tracks: ‘Name Calling’, ‘Just Like Me’

U Diana Vickers Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree Diana, aka the quirky blonde one from the X Factor, has come up trumps with this above average debut album. It has a nice electro pop vibe tinged with a bit of folk, and Diana’s unique voice ties the whole thing together. Stand-out tracks: ‘The Boy Who Murdered Love’, ‘Once’

Lady Antebellum Need You Now

Kelis Flesh Tone

Kate Nash My Best Friend is You

This Grammy-winning trio became an overnight sensation in the States and they look set to have the same impact over here. Need You Now is a tasty slice of modern pop that evokes the drama of Fleetwood Mac and the grit of Kelly Clarkson. Stand-out tracks: ‘American Honey’, ‘Stars Tonight’

R&B’s songstress with attitude returns with an electro-tinged offering that looks set to thrust her back into the mainstream. Teaming up with production giants such as will.i.am and David Guetta, this is a super catchy dancefloor gem. Stand-out tracks: ‘Acapella’, ‘Home’

Following her smash 2007 debut Made of Bricks, this eagerly anticipated album from talented young songstress Kate Nash won’t disappoint. She’s enlisted the production skills of former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, and the result is a pleasing blend of mature piano pop and edgy punk. Stand-out tracks: ‘Kiss That Grrl’, ‘Do Wah Doo’

SHAMELESS SPECIAL

Live music every night Live bands every weekend Wednesday 28th April 10pm The Jive

Aces

Thursday 29th April 10pm Mirenda

Rosenberg Band

Friday 30th April 10pm The

Roaring Forties

Saturday 1st May 10pm Les

Swinginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lovers

Sunday 2nd May 8pm Mindbenders

& Jaywalkers

59-63 Waterloo St , Derry, BT48 6HD - tel / 028 71 267295 - www.peadars-gweedorebar.com - holders of the traditional bar of the year award

LOCAL TALENT

JAPANESE POPSTARS

Music festival season has arrived, which can mean only one thing: Derry’s supreme electronica outfit and festival specialists The Japanese Popstars will be going down a sonic storm at gigs the length and breadth of the country and beyond.The band’s Decky McLaughlin (aka Decky Hedrock) took time out from their hectic touring schedule to give Mary-Anne McNulty the lowdown on their summer gigs and what they’ve been up to in the recording studio... Hi Decky. You guys just got back from a big gig in Miami recently. You’ve become quite the globetrotters! Yeah, we had four shows in all: Ultra Festival, some club shows, a big industry event and it was great. Miami’s got lots of fast cars and lots of plastic women! The Japanese Popstars have a lot on this summer. Any chance of a Derry gig any time soon? Sadly, not at the minute. Our last home gig was on Paddy’s Eve at the Nerve Centre, but I can’t say when the next one will be at this stage. We’ve got load of gigs – live sets and DJ sets - throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe over the next few months, so we’ve our hands full with those. You’ve earned a reputation as one of the hottest festival acts around. Do you enjoy doing the circuit every year? Absolutely. The craic is always great, and we’ve had the privilege of playing the same line-up as some really big acts. We’re all big fans of the Prodigy, so when we were asked to be on the same bill as them for a gig in Newcastle we jumped at the chance. Another highlight was playing with the amazing French act Justice in Japan.

What are all those guys like? Any Prima Donnas amongst them? Not at all. We play a lot of festivals, and what’s great is that you meet these people you looked up to and they are really sound, down to earth guys. Like ourselves, they just enjoy having the craic and doing shows. Oxegen last year was brilliant. There’s something really special about playing for a home crowd. It meant an awful lot to us that we went on at 3pm on a Friday on the first day of the festival and so many people turned out to see us play. Loads of fans showed up and that absolutely blew us away. There’s lots of different nicknames for the band - Jappy Pops, Jap Pops, Popstars, Japstars. Have you a personal favourite? I don’t mind which permutation people go for - let’s just say we’ve been called a lot worse! I suppose I like The Japstars the best, as it’s a nice neat combination of the two names. The band has been going for four years now. How are you and the other band members (Gary Curran and Gareth Donaghue) getting on? Great! Obviously, we have our artistic differences like most bands, usually about things like track order and other things when we’re getting down to the nitty gritty of putting an album together, but that’s because we’re all really passionate. But I

have to say that I honestly couldn’t ask for two better guys to be in a band with. You’re famous for remixing the tracks of some of the biggest acts in the business Beyonce, Depeche Mode, the Editors. Have you any more in the pipeline? We’re working on three big remixes for three major acts at the minute, but I can’t really say any more than that at the minute! What about your own stuff? Everyone’s waiting to hear the follow up to your acclaimed albums We Just Are and We Just Are (Live)... We’ve been busy writing new music and putting different mixes together. Our new single ‘Destroy’ featuring Jon Spencer is out at the minute, and we’re all really excited about that. To have him sing with us is brilliant. We’re planning to do a video with him and at some point we’d absolutely love it if he joined us on stage for one of our live shows. Our new stuff is interesting. We cover a broad spectrum, from electronica to borderline techno. Some of the new stuff is 105 BPM,which is a lot slower than the stuff we’ve done in the past. It’s a lot more chilled out. For a full list of upcoming gigs, check out the band’s myspace page: www.myspace.com/thejapanesepopstars

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PURE goe r one stop site e will soon become you Our new online hom exclusive re mo find ’ll you e b; her when surfing the we music and n, hio fas ity, rld of celebr content from the wo lifestyle. as equally a website that will be We’ve tried to devise Our new rs. ise ert adv our and s useful for our reader magazine ompass everything our digital home will enc ays free for alw and ign des tent and stands for: great con our readers. packed with l send an e-shot jam Every fortnight we wil who can take their s der rea our to rs competitions and offe motions and ’s biggest brands pro pick from some our city exclusive at gre e som of advantage within before long can take ce sen pre a e isers will hav discounts. Our advert up with their join can s der rea and er within our online home lication has a lot of pow chosen brands. Our pub o enjoy looking wh ple peo vy sav are our city: our readers ! keeping up with trends good, eating out and to all these juicy ess acc get we do how So readers, it www.pureask? It’s simple: vis discounts we hear you

& distributed to 15,000 homes

February Issue

NICHOLAS HOULT

BOY BECOMES MAN

FASHION FORECAST THE HOTTEST SPRING SUMMER TRENDS FOR 2010

Brits sensation

Ellie Goulding talks to Pure

NEW YORK PURE’S ESSIENTAL GUIDE TO THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

NITTY GRITTY

We go behind the scenes at the Chatsworth estate

Our essential PURE GOES BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT SHAMELESS guide to the city

that never sleeps

april Issue

the sion for Pure n a p x e ble ond of a doulaunch of a sec s il a t e d s ... nd the eal the d to rev new website a the juic y detail le il r h t Pure is e: our brand ead on for all magazin e in Belfast. R magazin

WE WANT YOU

es digital wse through 1st onwards and bro mag.co.uk from May Click the ns. itio pet com nts and e once a our news, entertainme dat to up you we’ll keep ect to free sign up button and dir s tion mo of exclusive pro fortnight with a heap your mailbox! t news and our site with curren We promise to update ’t be shy don so day a es many tim ks up our exclusive interviews tric at gre e som it! We have , so site about paying us a vis our m fro you get the most sleeves to guarantee antage of some adv e tak and k o.u visit www.pure-mag.c rs and competitions. great launch date offe s for eive up to date result rec l wil you rstise Adver lor make to suit your tai we ich wh , gns your campai petition out ics. There’s a lot of com targeted demograph choose the right to d har it es etim there locally and som not only r market – now we can ults. Our publication to meet you res h wit gns pai cam back up them let save you money but so r offe to e hav w what you readers want to kno . ure-mag.co.uk know through www.p

Due to continued expansio n in Derry and Belfast we ha of vacancies available wit hin our company. Please not ve a number e, we choose not to use recruitment age ncies but rather conduct our own search forsuitable candidates. We are an equal opportunities employer.

ADVERTISING D IRECTOR

Salary negotiable dep

EDITOR

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ending on experience

GRAPHIC DESIG NERS Salary neg otiable depending on

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To apply please sen d an up to date CV to directors@pureinc.co or check out your loc .uk al Job Centre.

WATCH OUT BELFAST, HERE WE COME!

Its official: we are proud to announce our plans to open a second office and Pure publication in Belfast, launching summer 2010. We started our company in the height of the recession and have continued to grow month on month, the great feedback about our publication and the support from our readers has kept us going. Our Belfast edition, which launches mid-summer, will be a

carbon copy of our ever evolving publication you see here in Derry. We will have access to more high standard celebrity interviews and will be able to offer a higher calibre of competitions and reviews to keep you in the know! Derry will continue to grow and improve and our new online home will offer our readers some great exclusive offers and discounts. Our HQ for Pure will remain in Derry and we are committed to putting this great city of ours

on the map, and to be known as a city of forward thinking trendsetters and fashionistas. It’s a great time for our company and we welcome the challenge to become the best magazine in Northern Ireland. Our success is only down to the support we have received from our advertisers and our loyal, loyal readers – so, we thank you for all the support to date.

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WHATS ON

La Musique Sandinos, Derry, 10pm

8th May

Sandinos’ popular La Musique night offers a great mix of disco, electro, house, indie-dance and all things electronic, delivered with typical aplomb by resident DJs Jean-Luc and Dollface.

16th May

Vive La Mode: Vintage clothes and accessories fair City Hotel, Derry, 12pm – 5pm This chic event promises to be lots of fun for vintage and retro clothing enthusiasts. There’ll be lots happening on the day, including professional vintage hair and make up demos, retro tunes and tea, coffee and cupcakes – not bad for a fiver!

North West 200 Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart

15th May

This renowned bike race takes place just up the road, between Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. Hundreds of motorcycles will whiz along a nine mile circuit in one of the fastest events in the world. If you’re a speed demon this is right up your street.

12th May

Ripple Affect Waterside Theatre, Derry, 8pm Brought to you by Northern Ireland’s leading dance company Echo Echo, director Steve Batts explores questions about the body and mind using well choreographed dancers and excellent vocals (btw, ‘Affect’ is deliberately spelled with an ‘A’, so don’t write in!).

Stavros Flatley Richmond Centre, Derry, 12pm

3rd May

Britain’s Got Talent has hit our screens again, and one of the stand-out acts from last year’s series Stavros Flatley are still going strong. The lovable dancing duo – father and son combination Demetrios and Michalakis – bring their hilarious Greek/Irish-themed dance act to Derry’s Richmond Centre on Bank Holiday Monday. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

1st - 13th February

22nd - 23rd May

Frankie Boyle Of The Other Crowd. Amy Russell - In Search Waterfront, Belfast, 8pm Derry Context Gallery, Artillery Street, One of14th the most controversial comedians around and star of the hit TV show Mock the Week Artist talk: Thursday January, 2pm. comes to Belfast. If you’re easily offended then this isn’t for you because Boyle is known not to hold back.

27th May

3 0

Duke Special An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny, 8pm The quirky Belfast singer with one of the purest voices in the business brings his vaudevilletinged act to Letterkenny. A great opportunity to see a unique and passionate performer at the top of his game.

WHATS ON An essential guide to the upcoming events not to be missed

28th May

Jack L The Playhouse, Derry, 8pm Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answer to Frank Sinatra mixed with Scott Walker and Nick Cave comes back to the Playhouse to promote his new album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Story So Farâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This promises to be an astounding show.

1st - 6th June

The Shawshank Redemption Millennium Forum, Derry, 8pm From book to film to play, this inspiring tale of friendship is still going strong, and comes to the Millennium from Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s had great reviews and is a must see for fans of the movie and book.

Carnivale of Colours St Columbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park, Derry, 1-6pm

29th - 30th May

The popular annual event Carnivale of Colours returns to the beautiful surrounds of St Columbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park for what promises to be a fun weekend for kids and adults alike. Highlights include award-winning visual comedian Fraser Hooper, Boris & Ricardoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magic Show and Brightonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest street performers, the Invisible Men. Stilt walkers and clowns will be in abundance, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evening entertainment for adults in the Big Top tent.

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WHATS ON

Check out Pure’s recommendations for this year’s City of Derry Jazz Festival.There’s loads more to choose from, so log onto www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com to see the full programme.

PICK OF THE MONTH

Who: Beatbox Drase Where: Strand Bar Disco When: Friday April 30th,11pm What: This unique performer from Manchester has built up a big following in the indie dance scene and returns to the festival by popular demand.

Who: Aeroplane Where: Nerve Centre When: Saturday May 1st, 10pm What: Funky Belgium two-piece who’ve done remixes for MGMT and Friendly Fire. They’ve got a modern sound with psychedelic guitars, pop keys, disco beats, catchy bass lines, melancholic waves and they definitely bring a different sound to the festival this year.

Who: Lounge Cellar Jazz - Live Where: Library Cellars, Prehen House When: Saturday May 1st, 10.30pm What: There’s a great line up set for this event featuring Lyric L, Conor Kelly’s Jam Session, Beatbox Drase, Bounce DJs and MCs. There’s also surprise late night guests so there’s bound to be something to entertain everyone.

Who: Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings Where: Millennium Forum When: Friday April 30th & Saturday May 1st What: After leaving the Rolling Stones Bill Wyman began to get people together to play some music for fun and this is how he established the Rhythm Kings. They play jazz and blues and the band features great musicians like Peter Frampton and Albert Lee.

Who: Mirenda Rosenberg & the Rare Groove Funk Orchestra Where: Gweedore When: Thursday April 29th What: A powerhouse performer, Mirenda and her band will entertain audiences with a repertoire of jazz, blues, funk, and soul. She’s doing gigs elsewhere throught the festival; so check out the full programme for details.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Reed all about it...

Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed’s superb new album looks set to catapult the soul singer to superstardom. Mary-Anne McNulty caught up with the man in the hat to talk about his latest release and his upcoming gig at the Speakeasy in Belfast. Eli Paperboy Reed. Remember the name, folks, because this time next year he’s going to be huge. We’ve had his album Come and Get It playing non-stop in the Pure office for the last two weeks, and we just can’t get enough of it. The 26-year-old, looking his usual funky and dapper self and smiling his trademark cheeky grin, has attracted serious heat in the last year. Having released two independent albums to great acclaim, the hype is now starting to hit a crescendo with the release of his first big label album. It’s hard to imagine that Come and Get It won’t be one of the defining sounds of the summer: it’s a perfect slice of sunny, Motown-infused pop, and it’s virtually impossible not to listen to it without smiling. Reed cut his teeth performing in soul clubs across America, and his live shows are said to be electric. He and his eightpiece band play the Speakeasy in Queen’s University on May, and if you want the opportunity to say ‘I saw Paperboy Reed before he became massive’ then get yourself along to the gig and become a part of pop history. In the meantime, find out more about the modest Bostonian in possession of a killer set of vocal chords... Hi Eli. The new album’s a cracker. Are you pleased with the end result? Yeah, I’m really proud of this album. A major theme that developed during the writing process was one of getting into and enjoying being in a relationship, so there’s a more upbeat, more fun, feel to it. In saying that, there’s a serious side to the songs as well.

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This is your first album with a major record label, and it’s got a very polished, commercial sound. Yeah, I feel like the songs on it are a natural progression from what I’ve done before. I have no issue with pop music, and the record label didn’t have to tell me to change my sound - I wouldn’t do that for anyone! It’s just a natural development for me. As American Idol’s Randy Jackson would say, Man you’ve got a killer set of pipes! When did you realise you

could sing like that? I loved music growing up in Boston, but I never really thought of myself as a singer. The first time I really performed in front of an audience was when I was 18, at my school assembly in Boston. I sang Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change is Gonna Come’, and I think everyone was surprised at what came out! Where did you pick up the nickname ‘Paperboy’? That was when I was living and doing gigs in Clarksdale, Mississippi. I used to wear this hat, my grandfather’s hat, a newsboy hat – it’s retired now. Everyone in Clarksdale had a nickname. They gave me that one and it stuck with me. I’m cool with it; it’s a little bit of an homage to my grandfather and Clarksdale. Who were your music idols growing up? Oh, there’s so many. Bobby Womack was important, and Sam Cooke obviously. Eli plays Conway Twitty, too. I the Speakeasy love gospel, blues, at Queen’s country. I like a lot of University, contemporary stuff too. Belfast, Dr Dog is a great indie on May 18. band, and I love the Come and Get It latest VV Brown record. is out May 10 You’re a really snappy dresser. Are you quite style conscious? Yeah, particularly when I’m on stage. I think it’s very important for an entertainer to separate himself, style-wise, from the audience. I wear my cuffs really high and tight, and I tend to go for colourful, shiny clothes. You’re playing the Speakeasy in Belfast in May. Looking forward to it? Absolutely. I played there before and love the Irish crowd - you guys really know how to let your hair down! There’ll be eight musicians up there including me, and we try to put on a really exciting show. We want to make sure the audience gets a full night’s entertainment.

I think it’s very important for an entertainer to separate himself, style-wise, from the audience. I wear my cuffs really high and tight, and I tend to go for colourful, shiny clothes

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INTERIORS

A design for life

Pure spoke to County Derry-based architect Steven Moon, whose beautiful Kilrea home was the Derry heat winner of the recent BBC Northern Ireland ‘House of the Year’ show

“The main thing is for the client to have an architect or designer they can put their faith in.”

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Creating the perfect family home that can double up as a workplace and blend in with the rural surrounds is no mean task. When the homeowners in question are a crack husband and wife team who run an award-winning architect’s firm, however, things become considerably easier. “Myself and my wife Jessica are both architects,” says Steven, “so we had the best of both worlds when it came to designing the house.” In fact their firm, McGarryMoon, also designed the other Kilrea home that featured in the Derry heat of ‘House of the Year’ , so winning and having another short-listed was a great testament to their architectural expertise. This home certainly has the wow factor, and was praised by the judges for its cleverly thought out design. Says Steven: “The property is south-facing, and was designed to get as much of a solar gain as possible – even in the winter the amount of heating we use is minimal. We designed it very much with the rural setting in mind. The cedar cladding has been left to weather naturally, and from the outside the house looks like your typical barn home – albeit a fairly complex-looking one!” The couple designed the house to double up as their place of business, a factor that was key when it came to the interior design. “We went for a natural colour scheme,” says Steven, “and made sure the timber used inside matched the windows. The seats are very comfortable and springy as we were conscious we’d be holding

meetings here, and I have to say they are extremely comfortable – we maybe should have designed harder seats so people wouldn’t stay too long!” Having grown up just a stone’s throw away, Kilrea man Steven and his Sligoborn wife Jessica were keen to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for both clients and family and friends, and their home is proof that business and pleasure can be mixed with ease if handled with care and precision. Says Steven: “We’ve done renovations for homeowners with all types of budgets. The main thing is for the client to have an architect or designer they can put their faith in, and who knows how to create the best possible living environment for the home in question.” Jessica and Stephen Moon chat with House of the Year host Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

BBC begins new search Is your house beautiful and does it deserve to be on TV? If so BBC Northern Ireland wants to hear from you, as it launches a new search for the second series of House of the Year. Entry forms and criteria are available online from the House of the Year website: bbc.co.uk/houseoftheyear. You can also send off for an application form to: House of the Year Competition, BBC Broadcasting House, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, BT2 8HQ Closing date for entries is Monday, May 31, 2010.

Between the lines Get your home lined up for the season with super trendy stripes Interiors are like fashion slowed down...we make over our wardrobes much more often than our homes, but this is the season to say ‘Ahoy There’ to the naughty nautical look in both our clothes and our living rooms. To give your home a stripey makeover invest in key pieces such as this striking Duresta Burghley sofa, or the wonderful Kyushu pouf to complement the colour scheme of the room. The best thing about stripes is that you don’t have to decide on a specific colour, you can simply accessorise what you already have and add drama to any room with traditional, nautical or country

style stripes. The white and colour combination works really well or go for the classic red and white for a summery, peppermint candy feel. For true seafaring style go the whole hog with this snazzy striped deckchair, the ultimate accessory to any patio this season. And if you’re a big fan of super trendy brands (and there’s an extra grand or so burning a hole in your pocket) then this uber cool Smeg fridge will act as a focal point for the kitchen. Zebra style prints are also hugely popular but don’t go overboard... the key is to look summery, not Serengeti!

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Pure recommends some domestic gizmos that will make life that little bit easier...

Wahl Egg Boiler (RRP £14.99) ‘Can’t even boil an egg’ no longer applies thanks to this foolproof device. Holds up to seven eggs and boils them to your exact requirements provided you put in the right amount of water.

Breville Hot Cup (RRP £59.98) Perfect for those with a hectic lifestyle, this genius creation dispenses boiling water in a matter of seconds. Now there are no more excuses for being late for work!

3 Knork (RRP £9.99) Stainless steel knife and fork in one that’s perfect for campers or those who have difficulty using both arms. Quirky but surprisingly useful.

INTERIORS

Get your

n o s e i l l we

Then dust off your Are you a festival fanatic? Pure’s guide to this sleeping bag and check out als summer’s hottest music festiv

Glasgowbury

Oxegen

Reading Festival

(www.oxegen.ie) Where: Punchestown Racecourse, County Kildare When: 9th - 11th July Who: The top draw for this year’s festival is undoubtedly US rapper extraordinaire Eminem, who’s making his Oxegen debut. Jay Z’’s playing too, though, so he’ll be giving Mr Mathers a run for his money. In addition, there’s a host of top acts on the bill, including live maestros Muse, indie faves Arcade Fire and darlings of the Brit scene Florence and the Machine. Vibe: About more than just the music, Oxegen has funfairs, chill-out marquees and signing tents where you can meet your heroes. Tickets: €224.50 (three days including camping)

(www.readingfestival.com) (www.glasgowbury.com) Where: Richfield Avenue, Where: Eagles Rock Valley, Reading Draperstown When: 27th - 29th August When: 24th July Who: Sweet child of mine - it’s Who: The event organisers Guns n’ Roses! The iconic are keeping their cards close rockers, fronted by ‘mad’ Axl to their chests at the minute, Rose, are set to storm the but expect a rich and diverse stage at Reading, though sadly line-up of acts hailing from as guitarist Slash is no longer a far afield as Norway and South member. Other treats include Africa. Dizzee Rascal, Blink 182 and Vibe: This year promises the recently reformed Libertines. to be extra special as Vibe: A paradise for dedicated it’s Glasgowbury’s tenth music lovers. Plus it’s got anniversary. Again, this festival ‘Tangerine Fields’, a readyis ideal for those who prefer made and fully-equipped tent a more intimate vibe and service for those who don’t like being surprised by great fancy lugging camping gear music from acts that aren’t about. necessarily mainstream. Tickets: Like Glastonbury, it’s Tickets: Price to be confirmed, sold out, but try your luck with but we expect the cost to be Reading’s official ticket resale very reasonable as usual. partner viagogo.

Electric Picnic ( www.electricpicnic.ie) Where: Stradbally Hall, County Laois When: 3rd - 5th September Who: This year’s fantastic line-up includes the legendary Roxy Music, dance pioneers Massive Attack and current folk favourites Mumford & Sons. The Frames and Paul Brady spearhead the Irish contingent. Vibe: Arguably the grooviest festival of them all, Electric Picnic has a notoriously chillaxed and funky vibe. Tickets: €240 (three days including camping)

Benicàssim International (www.fiberfib.com) Where: Benicàssim, Spain When: 15th - 18th July Who: A whole host of top acts - Kasabian, Prodigy, Vampire Weekend and Dizzee Rascal will set this Valencian port town alight for four glorious days. Vibe: Set in sunny Spain, this carnival by the coast lends an exotic, continental touch to the traditional music festival, with art, theatre, cinema and dance events also on offer. Tickets: Around €185 (four days including camping)

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TRAVEL

Booming Bel

Thinking of taking a weekend city break but don hours in the airport? Then cast your sights closer delights of thriving Belfast...

Eat

Drink

Dance

Monzu Lisburn Road With an elegant and classy feel, new kid on the block Monzu promises to be one of Belfast’s top restaurants with a vibrant and reasonably-price menu packed with contemporary classics. It’s a bar and club, too, so you can stay on and have a drink if you’re enjoying the vibe.

The Crown Great Victoria Street The Crown is notorious, and no visit to Belfast is complete without a visit. This beloved drinking landmark has been there since the first train ran from Belfast to Lisburn, and its decor and atmosphere is steeped in tradition.

Rain Tomb Street Situated in the city’s Cathedral Quarter, Rain is one of the hottest clubs around. Winner of an armload of Club of the Year awards, the music and service is exceptionally classy. They have a reputation for turning away people for not being dressed well though so you better put on your most stylish threads!

Deane’s Howard Street This Michelin-starred restaurant spearheaded by acclaimed chef Michael Deane is the last word in fine dining. Famed for their innovative but unpretentious dishes, this is the ultimate dining experience and a real treat for food enthusiasts.

The Apartment Donegall Square West, Belfast Star spotters are likely to clock a local celebrity or two in the trendy Apartment. It’s stylish reputation makes it one of the places to be seen, yet it’s anything but pretentious. Its best assets are a great wine list, funky music and a delicious ‘lite bites’ menu.

Thompsons Patterson Place Popular Thompsons is open every night and you’ll have to get there early as it’s usually packed with people. Playing a range of music from hip-hop to house, this club has a relaxed and intimate vibe.

Zen Adelaide Street Trendy Zen boasts fine Japanese cuisine and oozes quality and class. The exciting menu features experimental Japanese dishes, and is a must for those with adventurous palettes.

Explore

Shop

Cathedral Quarter This is a developing part of the city which is surrounded by a lot of history. You could walk around looking at the breathtaking structures and exploring the area without going into any shops and still fill your day.

Victoria Square Victoria Square Housing loads of big name brands, this innovativelydesigned retail and leisure complex is a Mecca for shopaholics. The striking glass dome that tops the centre is an architectural triumph.

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Titanic Quarter This is an amazing sight for anyone who’s a big fan of ships or even just the movie Titanic. The mammoth structures of the cranes ‘Samson’ and ‘Goliath’ are spectacular and the area is now being transformed into a huge market area with shops and offices.

Castle Court Royal Avenue Situated right in the heart of the city centre, Castle Court boasts a wide range of shops to suit all ages and tastes. There’s always a buzz about the place, and they stage regular events, from face painting to competitions.

TRAVEL

PURE recommends

Benedicts, Bradbury Place, Belfast

lfast

on’t want to get stuck for to home and enjoy the

By Sinead Melaugh Having lived in Belfast for several years, Benedicts was a place I had dined in many times but never had the pleasure of staying in. Located slap bang in the centre of a lively social area, it’s in a prime position for a night out in Belfast. As the restaurant and bar are decorated in quite a traditional style, I was expecting something similar in the hotel rooms. I was pleasantly surprised, therefore, at the modern style and size of the rooms. The huge comfortable beds were a treat. I’m always amazed at how comfortable hotel beds are; is there a magic bed store that these come from because I want one! Our hotel room faced onto the street which I initially thought, due to the huge crowds that frequent this area, was going to be a problem. Thankfully I slept like a baby, although this may have been the result of quite a few cocktails in the bars of Belfast. The staff at the hotel were fantastic and extremely helpful, something which I find is now becoming less and less common within the service industry. Due to the proximity to the city centre the hotel, like many hotels in Belfast, does not offer onsite parking. Benedict’s do have a discounted rate with a secure car park close by for anyone arriving by car. Fortunately for us the hotel does have an allocated parking space for staff in a private car park and the very kind receptionist offered it to us as it was not in use. This is the type of service that I love about unpretentious establishments; it’s about excellent service, quality and a great atmosphere. Nowhere is the atmosphere more present than in the restaurant. It was evident when we entered that the food

in the restaurant is as good as ever as the place was buzzing with groups. Again it was great to be served by a fantastic waitress who advised us on the best options on the menu and was on hand to refill our wine glasses. The menu choice is really good and the food was great. Admittedly, Benedicts is not trying to be something it’s not; nouveau cuisine it isn’t; great quality food at a very reasonable price it is. It’s no surprise to me at all that this place still attracts the crowds; great food with great service. Take note other restaurants because this is how it’s done. The hotel’s location ensures that some of Belfast’s best known pubs and clubs are on your doorstep. The popular Laverys bar is directly opposite with live music in the back bar and for those wanting a boogie the well known M club is practically next door (I have very fond memories of the Friday night Groovy train). There is a real buzz in the area with so many fantastic bars, restaurants and fast food places to mention. Although there is no need to venture further, should you want to get a bit closer to the city centre you can easily access it on foot within 10 minutes of leaving the hotel. Sore heads and cotton mouth in the morning forced us from our hotel room to avail of the cooked breakfast in the restaurant. Needless to say once again it didn’t disappoint. If I had to pick fault I would have to say it’s a bit disappointing that you cannot have room service for a cooked breakfast. They can deliver a continental breakfast to your room but after a night out the fry up is the only option for me. Apart from the fact that you have to drag yourself to the restaurant for breakfast, staying at Benedicts hotel was an absolute pleasure.

Bulletin board wh

o’s doing what in the local business scene

Onwards and upwards Chairman of the City Centre Traders’ Forum, Martin McCrossan, gives an update on the organisation’s efforts to secure better conditions for Derry’s traders

We normally use the business bulletin page to wish our fellow local businesses well in their variious ventures, but if we could be so bold, we’d like to give ourselves a wee pat on the back this month too! Everyone at Pure HQ is really excited about our plans to expand digitally, via our upcoming new and improved website, and geographically, by the planned launch of our sister title in Belfast. Like many of you in the business community, the last 12 months have presented many challenges, but we’ve stayed true to our readers and our view for the publication you read in your hands. We are truly excited about our new path, online and in Belfast, and promise that we will continue to evolve into the best publication Northern Ireland has to offer! Thanks for all your support so far.

Do your bit for the bid

Durkan MP who has agreed to address all Hi everyone, I hope you’re all well in spite of their concerns, and I have also met with of the economic downturn. As you know, the City Cleansing Department officials Jim we’ve only been going a few months, but McGrath and Eddie Nutter on Friday 16th in that time we’ve been very busy trying to April. Issues had been raised about the find solutions to the many problems facing cleansing of streets on the weekends. independent retailers in the town. Martina Anderson has asked me to keep The organisation was formed to meet the everyone informed about follow ups her needs of the business community within party have made about the issue of rates. the city, and we’ve certainly hit the ground She has put several questions forward to running. We’ve been to Stormont twice in the Finance Minister regarding rates, and the last few weeks. The first trip was to meet a particularly important one is the issue of the Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, and whether or not Mr Wilson would be prepared we were back up again recently to talk to to consider a rates deferment scheme for the six MLAs who serve this area. Many of businesses which are struggling as a result our local business men and women made of the economic the trip - Declan Hasson, recession. She Eileen Walsh, Eamon Gee is also arranging and William Grant to name “it’s in the interests of the city for the chair of a few - and we were able as a whole to have the concerns the DOE planning to voice all the concerns of scrutinizing our independent traders at of our independent traders committee, Cathal this meeting. Boylan, to meet In a follow-up to our addressed” with some of our meetings the Deputy group on a date First Minister Martin after the election. McGuiness, accompanied SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie is also die to by Martina Anderson MLA and Raymond come down and see us this week, so things McCartney MLA, had a walkabout in the city are really starting to happen. on 14th April. This invitation was extended So that’s where we are at the minute. to all political parties and it is hoped more We believe it’s in the interests of the city visits will follow. They spoke to a wealth as a whole to have the concerns of our of business people and developers, independent traders addressed, and we’re all of whom had some very important hopeful that the efforts we’ve been making contributions to make regarding our current will bear some fruit in the near future. plight. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Issues discussed at all our meetings were people of Derry for the enormous support rates - including vacant rates and water they’ve shown our organisation. If anyone rates - parking issues, planning issues, out there wants to get involved or feels public realm work, the effect of proposed out they can contribute to our objectives in any of town developments and the appearance way, please get in touch by emailing me at of the city among many other issues. citytradersforum@aol.com. A selection of our group met with Mark

As you know, our city is in the running for the City of Culture 2013, and we can all do our bit to help the dream become a reality. Oonagh McGillion, a member of the Bid Team,explains: “The city’s story is what makes us distinct and we want to encourage as many people as possible to call into the bid office in Waterloo Place, register their story on-line at www.cityofculture2013.com, or pick-up a postcard at one of our many cultural venues and be part of the campaign. We’re looking for many personal or organisational stories showcasing creative success along with champion ideas that can help us profile the city’s ambition to win this prestigious accolade”. Sinead Harkin, one of the bid team members, encourages people to get involved in the bid

Life’s a gift... Good luck to Gary McClenaghan and Darryl Walker of Treasures jewellery and gift shop, who have recently moved out of their Carlisle Road premises and up the road to Ferryquay Street. Gary and Darryl are great guys who have worked hard to make Treasures into one of Derry’s finest gift emporiums, and any of you who haven’t checked out all their little treasures should hot foot it up to Ferryquay Street immediately! Best of luck, guys.

Christopher McGeehan Sales Executive

Raymond Walker

Liam Cregan

Sales Executive

Finance Manager

Billy Sweeney General Manager

Martin Mullan

Business Manager

John Crapp

Motability Sales

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LOCAL TALENT

motion This month, Mary-Anne McNulty talks about Derry-based professional dance company Echo Echo with their company director Ailbe Beirne

Company manager Ailbe Beirne

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I first witnessed the magic of Echo Echo last month when I went along to their show ‘Undercurrents’ in the Waterside Theatre, where they’re based. The performance, aimed at primary school children, was delightful, filled with lovely little bits of slapstick that tickled the young audience pink and some really imaginative and exhilarating dance moves. Echo Echo, which consists of co-artistic directors Stephen Batts and Ursula Laeubli, company manager Ailbe Beirne, development officer Sarah Young and eight professional freelance dancers, was formed in the early 90s in Europe, but found a natural home in Derry in 1997 after a workshop they did in the Playhouse developed into a longstanding residency. Renovations at the

Playhouse saw them relocate to the Waterside Theatre 2004, and in that time they’ve gone from strength to strength. Company manager Ailbe Beirne is the man responsible for securing funding. He’s deeply passionate about the work Echo Echo does, and has worked hard to bring as much funding to the company as possible. “Things have really grown over the past three years,” he tells me. “There’s a lot going on, and we have a wonderful group of dedicated people. The style of the dance we do is very contemporary and free - what our artistic director Steve describes as ‘poetic movement’ - and we have a very collaborative and inclusive approach to everything we do.” As well as putting on performances at the theatre that are then toured throughout Northern Ireland and further afield, the company runs a variety of education programmes and workshops aimed at schools and the wider community. They’ve forged strong links with both the University of Ulster’s dance degree course and the North West Institute’s performing arts programme, an arrangement which has been highly fruitful for all parties. Explains Ailbe: “Many of the students who’ve done work placements with us have ended up joining the company. I find that very rewarding to see the dancers who have come through our placements or youth workshops going on to do the things they want to do.” Ailbe is particularly full of beans at the minute. The company has just secured a big grant (£125,000) that will fund a sport-themed dance project, and their plans for it have become cause for considerable excitement. He says: “A lot of the money for arts projects is coming in a roundabout way from the funding allocated to the 2012 Olympics so we came up with the idea of creating a dance performance in the form of a human chess game. “We’re going to put up a 12 x 12 metre board in the Guildhall and 32 performers dressed as various pieces will re-enact a famous game; we’re hoping to attract a lot of public interest when the show’s put on at the end of June. There’s a lot happening, so these are very exciting times for us.”

Left: Ayesha Mailey shows off her moves in ‘Ripple Affect’. Top: ‘Ripple Affect’: members of the Echo Echo ensemble in performance. Pictures: David McClelland

COME DINE

Feeling slightly envious at missing out on the fabulous dinner parties laid on by our previous ‘Come Dine’ participants, the team here at Pure HQ decided it was high time we had one of our own! Pure director David Kavanagh bravely put his neck on the block and offered to host a dinner for the rest of the team; here he gives the lowdown on how he got on... It’s no secret that cooking isn’t my biggest strength. Don’t get me wrong; I can cook a mean Sunday roast or the usual pasta dish, but a full on five course meal for six people is well beyond my comfort zone. I knew the team was aware of this and that they all expected bangers and mash or a Mark’s and Spencer meal passed off as my own handiwork, so I honestly gave it my all and tried to exceed their expectations – with a little help of course! I’d been deliberating over the menu for a good few days, but in the end sought the advice of local restaurateur Tommy O’Brien from Casa Italia. I figured if anyone was going to steer me in the direction of a nice menu worthy of top level marks, then I’d need a bit of help, and Tommy was the best man for the job. The brief was: something easy, relatively stress free and a menu everyone would enjoy. My food guru Tommy nodded sagely and gave me a few suggestions, and within five minutes everything was

decided and off I headed to Sainsbury’s to buy in the rest of the ingredients needed to cook my masterpiece. I have to say I was surprisingly calm about the whole thing. I’d imagined I’d be like that certain class of contestant from the Channel 4 show – you know the one; they get so stressed they start on the booze too early to calm their nerves, and then within the hour they’ve burned their mains to a cinder and need to go have a lie down before serving up. Sensibly, I kept the vino at arm’s length while I was cooking, so a ‘taxi for Kavanagh’ moment was mercifully avoided! As far as I know, everyone really enjoyed themselves. My work colleagues were all very complimentary about the food and I think slightly annoyed that they couldn’t score me 1s and 2s out of pure badness. Anyway, I really enjoyed myself and I’d say this experience has made more daring in the kitchen and I think it won’t be too long until I host round two for friends again.

“My work colleagues were all very complimentary about the food and I think slightly annoyed that they couldn’t score me 1s and 2s out of pure badness!”

4 6 Pure delighted: The guests are enjoying the night. From left: Mary-Anne McNulty, Sinead Melaugh, David Kavanagh, Martina Duncan and Seanie Doherty.

Mary-Anne McNulty Given that David considers a well-known bottled pasta sauce a delicacy, I set the bar fairly low for his dinner party. Well, David, I want to publicly apologise for having shown such little faith in you: your salmon starter was cooked to perfection and the depth of the sauce accompanying your duck was very sophisticated. David splashed out on top quality ingredients and put the time in with his dishes, and the result was a lovely meal served by a lovely host. But he really should have given me a side plate for my bread. Score: 8/10

COME DINE

MENU On arrival A selection of fresh-baked breads with black olive and sun-ripened tomato tapinades Starter Pan-fried salmon fillet, sliced and served on a bed of vine tomatoes, wild rocket and wheaten bread, accompanied by home made lemon oil. Main course Pan-fried duck breast with a balsamic vinegar and plum sauce, served on a bed of sautéed spinach and accompanied by creamy mash. Dessert Creamy lemon posset served with a summer fruit and Chambord liqueur compote. To finish Irish coﬀee Wines Red: Berberana Carta de Oro Rioja Reserve (Spain) White: Ogio Pinot Grigio (Italy) David hard at work in the kitchen

Sinead Melaugh I was surprised at how well David did. The starter was lovely and the duck was delicious – though the sauce was a little sweet. The rich and creamy dessert was beautiful but I couldn’t finish it as I was full up. The only let down for me was that there were no side plates for the bread at the start of the meal (I think he was so keen on getting the dinner done to perfection and the duck sauce was too sweet. Other than that, David was a brilliant host and the drink was flowing; not good for my poor head the next day!

Martina and Sean “The whole night was absolutely brilliant,” says Martina. Not knowing what to expect made the meal even more astounding. When we arrived, our expectations were already exceeded when the aromas of the fried duck filled the dining room. The salmon for starters was cooked to absolute perfection which was as good as eating out in any restaurant. The main meal just blew us away, I knew David would pull out all the stops, but it was still so suprising to get that from cooking that someone had made from home. The presentation and treatment we got was first class, we didn’t have to ask for anything and the wine kept appearing in our glasses. David and his family were brilliant hosts ‘ says Sean. The craic was brillant as well as the food being first class. The night was brilliant and the sore haed the next day told the story. Thanks David!

Score: 8.5/10

Score: 9/10

THE REVIEWS

The Magnet

by David Kavanagh What I like about The Magnet is that it’s convenient to pretty much anywhere in the city; a five minute drive along a nice country road and you’re there. There’s ample parking and a selection of shops are situated directly opposite for last minute supplies on the way home. I live quite near here and have been on many, many occasions over the years and honestly have never really had a bad meal or warm soft drink in years of dining. It’s a reliable, family-friendly bar which doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not – comfortable surroundings, traditional pub grub in a relaxed, modern clean environment. We had a busy day at the office and the thought of preparing and cooking a meal from scratch was too much, plus I’d neglected the shopping list from my last trip to Sainsbury’s so the cupboards were pretty bare. So, it was decided that myself and my colleague would take a trip to the Magnet for a quick bite to eat. Being midweek, the restaurant wasn’t quite heaving but there was a nice atmosphere and we weren’t alone as there were other couples dotted around the restaurant who seemed to be enjoying themselves and their meals. We were tired and in need of a good feed so we got straight to business and ordered a really top notch bottle of Chablis as we trawled through the menu.

There’s quite a lot to choose from: meat dishes, chickens, pastas, fish, steaks and vegetarian – something for every taste really. For starters we chose breaded mushrooms and a potato wedges, both were of gigantic portions and really tasty. To be honest the starters would have almost served as a light lunch or a snack rather than a starter, but it was nice to tuck in straight away to cure the hunger. For mains I chose the 50/50 option as I was undecided on what to choose. This was really tasty and exactly what the doctor ordered – fillet steak with chicken escalope on a bed of champ, pepper sauce and finished off with tobacco onions. This was a great choice and scored top marks in my eyes. My partner chose the open steak sandwich which is firm favourite and best seller from the menu. It looked really tasty and we hardly uttered a word whilst we devoured our mains. To be honest, we were stuffed after our mains but we were enjoying the craic so much, we ordered another bottle of the tasty Chablis along with banoffee pie and caramel toffee crunch for desert. Yummy! To summarise, the Magnet is a great establishment: handy parking, reasonably priced and a pretty good choice from the menu. It’s not overly priced or pretentious, just good food in a nice modern setting.

The Magnet Culmore Road, Derry Tel: 02871 354497

THE REVIEWS

O’Brien’s Steakhouse

by Roisin Haughey Recently opened under new management but remaining an American-themed steakhouse, O’Brien’s proved a real bellyfiller on a chilly Tuesday evening. Always a student favourite, O’Brien’s offers a wide menu selection with everything from burgers, pizzas and seafood to a great choice of steaks in various cuts and sizes. The amazing thing about this re-opening is the introductory offer – a mere 1p a drink with every course! At first I was sceptical, thinking that the only drinks on offer would be bog-standard wine and no-name spirits, but I was proved wrong. You can order wine, bottled beer or a soft drink with your starter, wine, beer, spirits, alco-pops or soft drink with your main and tea, coffee or, for the more adventurous, a flaming sambuca, with your dessert. The layout hasn’t changed much and is all the better for it, with cosy booths and cheerful checked tablecloths under slightly muted lighting. Service was great, our waitress was very helpful and friendly and seemed to appear just as more drinks were required – exactly what you want! For starters I had mushrooms stuffed with chicken pate and fried in breadcrumbs which were delicious and the portion size was more than adequate, while my companion’s chicken ‘wings of fire’ were a spicy treat even without the tasty chilli sauce that accompanied them.

It was difficult to choose a main due to the sheer variety on offer, and as a seafood lover I was tempted by the red snapper, but decided that when in a steakhouse, you have to order steak. I opted for the rump and my brave companion chose the Tex-Mex, both of which come on a bed of tobacco onions and with the sauce and side order of your choice. The steaks arrived cooked exactly as we had ordered and a lot bigger than we had expected. The Mediterranean vegetables are highly recommended, as they were char-grilled to perfection, the onion rings were deliciously crunchy and the only complaint I have is that the garlic potatoes weren’t garlicky enough...however, as a selfconfessed garlic fiend this might not be a problem for anyone else. The portions are more than generous so we struggled to find room for dessert but it was worth it. The Bailey’s cheesecake had a firm base and a fluffy top and the Malteser Melt can only be described as a dentist’s nightmare and a sweet-lover’s dream – a huge meringue topping slathered in hot fudge sauce and liberally dusted with crushed Maltesers with vanilla ice-cream on the side. Sinfully delicious! Overall I found O’Brien’s to be welcoming and cosy, offering a large menu selection and even larger portionsand at 1p a drink per course you can’t go wrong!

O’Brien’s Steakhouse Strand Road, Derry Tel: 02871 361527

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Lee Ryan

Singer and actor Lee Ryan talks to Pure about his new album, his budding acting career, and the joys of fatherhood...

Pure: Songbird Eva Cassidy

I’M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT my new album, Confessions, which is coming out soon. I loved recording it. I had a lot of creative control, and I’d say it’s a very honest album. It’s from the heart. People know I say what I mean - to my detriment sometimes! and this album is the first time I’ve had the chance to talk about the things I want to say. Watch out for the second single ‘I Am What I Am’ - it’s a really amazing song.

Born to dance:West Side Story Band of brothers: Lee and the boys fro m Blu

I LOVE HOLIDAYING in England, of all places. There’s some beautiful places right on our doorstep. The Lake District is absolutely stunning, and it’s fantastic if you enjoy a good walk. I’d much rather walk than get the train or a bus, and there’s nothing I like more than having a good long wander and engaging in a bit of people watching.

The big league: a film with Kevin Spacey is in the pipeline

Strong: Dirty Martini h

Happy family: Lee wit Sammi and Rayn

I’M A HUGE FAN of the album Songbird by Eva Cassidy. She was unknown until Terry Wogan played ‘Over the Rainbow’ on his radio show after she’d died. I love the purity of her voice, and think she’s one of the most amazing artists. I’ve always been into my soul music as well, and grew up singing along to Stevie Wonder.

MY FAVOURITE TIPPLE is a dirty Martini. You have to be careful with them, though. They’re deceptively strong, and sometimes I forget what I’m drinking! I’M GOOD MATES with the lads from Blue. We go back a long way, and they’re all good lads. Other than that, I’m not really into the celebrity scene. I don’t hang out with celebrities, and don’t have many famous mates. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ACTING, and have been lucky enough to be involved in ra ecent film, The Heavy, that’s been really well received, so hopefully that side of my career is going to take off. I’ve been in talks about getting a part in a film with Kevin Spacey, which is pretty exciting.

For me, acting is like singing. It’s all about timing and emotion, and knowing when to give a line everything and when to hold off so the next one has more impact. I COULD COOK YOU A REALLY MEAN MEAL - my Celebrity Come Dine With Me dinner party was no fluke! I can turn my hand to most things in the kitchen, but probably one of my favourite dishes is a champagne and beetroot risotto. Risottos are great because you can add anything to it, and you can really go to town on the colour and texture. I’M PROUD OF MY IRISH ROOTS. My Dad’s family were from Tipperary, and I always remember my grandad telling me I was from ‘good stock’. MY FAVOURITE FILM is West Side Story. The music and story is amazing. I love the bit where the Jets are up on the roof singing Gee, Officer Krupke - ‘we’re disturbed, we’re disturbed we’re the most disturbed’! I’m actually good friends with one of the stars, David Winters, who’s now a film producer. He worked on four films with Elvis and we were chatting the other day and he told me I reminded him of Elvis, because I’m quite unassuming and don’t really like the limelight, and I thought that was just the nicest compliment. BEING A DAD IS THE BEST THING EVER. My little boy, Rayn, is 16 months, and the only thing I hate about going to work in the morning is that I have to leave him for the day. We’re a proper little family - me and my girlfriend Sammi call each other ‘Mummy’ and ‘Daddy’! I was in the bath this morning and Rayn was chatting away, saying ‘Tuh tuh tuh’ because he can’t get the words out yet. I was like ‘yeah, I know what you’re saying mate’! Lee’s new single ‘Secret Love’ is out May 3.

Cinema Pass Dine out

Courtesy of Derry Omniplex on Strand Road, we’re giving away a ‘Month of Sundays’ cinema pass to one lucky reader. The winner (plus guest) will gain free entry to one movie of their choice (subject to availability and age eligibility) every Sunday in June. To enter, email your details to competitions@pure-mag. co.uk and mark your entry ‘Omniplex’.

Courtesy of Casa Italia on Queen’s Quay, we’re giving away a three course a la carte meal for two with a bottle of wine to share. To enter, email your details to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘Casa Italia’. Please note, as this prize includes alcohol, entrants must be aged 18 or over.

Fragrance and cosmetics in asociation with

Courtesy of Debenhams, Foyleside, we’re giving one lucky lady the chance to win a goodie bag filled with some of the products reviewed in this month’s women’s section.

The prize consists of Escada Marine Groove perfume, Smashbox bronzer, Benefit’s Monnbeam concealer and Dallas blusher and Bare Escentuals Faux Tan. To

enter, email your details to competitions@pure-mag. co.uk and mark your entry ‘Debenhams fragrance and cosmetics’.

SATC 2 Premiere

Black and White

We’ve got eight sets of the amazing Black and White hair styling range to give away. The set consists of their Original and Lite waxes and a deep cleansing shampoo. To enter, email your details to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘Black and White’.

Books Giveaway

Courtesy of Eason, Foyleside, we’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win all three books reviewed in this month’s magazine. To enter, email your details to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘Eason’.

Eddie Porter, Derry Louise McGee, Derry Neal McAlister, Muff, Donegal Pat Grant, Derry Eddie Donnelly, Derry Mark Simpson, Derry Patrick Clay, Derry

Ed Doherty, Derry John Deehan, L,imavady Fred Powell, Limavady Amy McDaid, Derry Kevin Ramsay, Derry Bridgetta Clifford, Buncrana, Donegal Martina McComish, Derry

Robert Sloane, Derry Paul McGinley and Sharon Gormley Charlotte Gillespie, Derry Una McGuinness, Derry Louise Doherty, Clonmany, Donegal Deborah Leslie, Derry Claire Friel, Derry

Our best giveaway yet! For the chance to attend one of the hottest nights in this season’s social calendar, check out our special spread on pages 14 & 15.

Catherine McCrossan Janice McCallion Sarah McGinty, Derry Jane Bingley, Essex, England William Horton, Derry

Terms and Conditions The entry deadline for all competitions is 12pm on Monday May 17. Winners are chosen at random (except SATC 2 premiere competition) and will be notified via email or telephone. The editor’s decision is final. Unless where stated otherwise, all entrants must be aged 16 or over. Competition prizes must be claimed within 14 days of notification.

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