Scene Birmingham 1st Birthday Issue by SCENE Birmingham

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M a rc h / A p r i l 2013

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10 by the building of the iconic Selfridges store in the Bullring.

83 Why do people hate Birmingham? I recently read with interest, and sadness, an article that discussed why people don’t like Birmingham. In the article, it discussed the trend as something that stems back centuries to the days of Jane Austen. The recent 200th anniversary of her most famous work, Pride and Prejudice, has once more shone light on the damning critique of Birmingham that is inherent within as character Emma states; “Birmingham is not a place to promise much... One has no great hopes of Birmingham. I always say there is something direful in that sound.” Not Austen’s own words but that of a snobbish, boorish character. Still, this clearly this does not bode well for our fair city. Yes Birmingham has it’s troubled areas and is suffocated by the concrete legacy of the 70’s. However, the city has also churned out a great many famous and well-respected figures in various fields from industrialists James Watt and Matthew Boulton to renowned politician Joseph Chamberlain, who was sustained in his career by the people of Birmingham. In modern times, we have a thriving music scene, which has undergone a resurgence of late, and with bands such as Peace and Swim Deep championing the movement and receiving national acclaim – the future looks bright for our young starlets. We’ve also talked extensively about the structural changes that are being made to the city in order to bring it up to a level where it can compete with its European counterparts, which was spearheaded first

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Culturally, we have a vibrant scene that offers a host of internationally and locally developed shows, which draw in scores of visitors each year. Did you know that the Hippodrome is one of the most visited theaters in the country? Couple that with the plethora of other theatre houses, museums and gallery’s – and we have the making of being a future Capital of Culture. But for this to happen we need to change our attitudes toward the city – change must come from within. For the Birmingham bashing to cease, we must believe in and work towards a better Birmingham collectively. It will take time, but we can achieve this and next time someone asks you ‘what’s Birmingham like?”, think before you answer as we have a great deal to shout about and your opinion could influence someone else’s view of our city. Lee Lee.Hall@scenebirmingham.co.uk

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Managing Director Jessica Fitzpatrick jessica@scenebirmingham.co.uk Editor - Lee hall lee.hall@scenebirmingham Graphics - EVP Visuals ellisonporter@gmail.com Editors Assitant - Talisha Johnson Contributing Writers - James Wootton, Sophia Blakey Jess Slater, Ami Streets and Eric Joseph Contributing Photographers - Please note the photos used on the front cover are a collection of images we have used in the magazine over the last year. Photographers include Andy Pilsbury, Garazi, Shoot Luke, Paul Ward, Alex Matravers and Andre James Sales- Donna Joseph- sales@scenebirmingham.co.uk 0121 224 7394 All information is correct at the time of going to press. No part of this magazine may be used without the permission from Scene Birmingham Magazine. All rights

Dj Destruction Winners Interview

Steel Pulse

SCENE Gallery

Whyt Noyz

TheClubAndSpa

The Hallmark Of A Good Time

An Interview With Justice Williams MBE

Lost & found

Beauty & Fashion

Mothers Day Gift Guide

St. Patricks Day

Milly Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Illustration

Events Guide

A Different Side: The Opera

Cocktail of The Month

The BIG Bass Birthday Mix Playlist

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Birthday Celebration

Scene Birmingham nominated for Hot 500 Award

y a a r d b h l t r e i BC 06

SceneBirmingham.co.uk

As we prepare to celebrate our first birthday in April, it is with great pride that we can announce we have been nominated for the Best Media Business Award hosted by the Hot 500 Awards 2013. Taking place on Wednesday 24th April 2013 at Aston Villa Football club, the inaugural awards celebrate the best and brightest entrepreneurs in the West Midlands, whilst providing a great networking platform for young people to help them achieve business and personal goals. These unique awards put the power in the hands of the public that will decide by voting who will win each award. To view the full list and vote for your favourite go to www.TheHot500.co.uk. While you’re there, vote for Scene Birmingham to win…go on you know you want to!

Café Opus Opens at Ikon

Two of Scene Birmingham’s favourite institutions, Opus restaurant and Ikon, have come together to create café Opus at the Ikon Gallery, Brindleyplace. The new venture promises unfussy British classics such as boiled egg and soldiers (£2.50) or delicacies the likes of which Opus is famed for, including creamy forest mushrooms and tarragon on toast (£3.50), with more substantial meals also available. The Brindleyplace location marks a return for Opus directors Ann Tonks, Irene Allan and David Colcombe, who were the original team that founded Bank. They left to set up Opus in July 2005, building a reputation as one of the city’s most successful restaurants.

Ann Tonks, Director at Opus, commented: “The concept for this ‘little sister’ venue is that it will have the same focus on quality British produce and good value as we do at Opus, but in a less formal setting.

“We are glad to be back again in Brindleyplace, which is a vibrant and exciting part of the city and Ikon is the perfect partner for us with their range of pioneering and transformative exhibitions that contribute greatly to Birmingham as a creative city.”

project aims to generate £365million in additional tourism spend over the 2012-15 period and inspire more UK residents to take more holidays and short breaks at home.

Aussie Bar undergoes £1,000,000 Makeover

s n o yati r Ikon is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art venue situated in central Birmingham. Housed in the dramatic neo-gothic Oozells Street School, the gallery features artists from around the world with a regular programme of exhibitions and events. The newly refurbished venue, designed by Suzanne Barnes Design Partnership, opened at the end of February.

Visit Birmingham to Promote City’s Cultural Excellence

Birmingham’s eclectic arts and culture scene is being heralded by VisitEngland’s Cultural Cities promotion, in a joint venture with Visit Birmingham, in order to help grow tourism for the region, and is part of a national scheme to increase overall tourist levels in England. With one programme already complete, Birmingham will once more be one of 13 English cities featured as part of the integrated marketing campaign which will incorporate a range of national online, broadcast and print elements in the partnership.

The marketing and PR campaign, run by Visit Birmingham, will begin in March and will focus on showcasing the wealth of arts and culture within Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull throughout 2013 and beyond. Emma Gray, Director of Marketing Services for Visit Birmingham, said:

In these times of economic austerity, investments are few and far between. But Walkabout on Broad Street has undergone a £1,000,000 transformation creating a stunning new environment and 28 new bar jobs. The venue now boasts a host of tubular new features including two additional bars, exclusive V.I.P. areas and two phenomenal main room makeovers, creating a whole new Antipodean world that you certainly won’t need to fly Emirates for. The refurbishment includes a cool ‘wave design’ bar that sees one of the bars sitting right in the barrel of a giant wooden wave, and a ‘Reef Bar’ that features multiple projectors showing under-sea footage on linked screens, giving the feeling of being in an underwater paradise. What the investment demonstrates is that retailers and bar chains still recognise Birmingham as a growing market and, hopefully, the trend of investing in making the Second City bigger and better will continue!

Second City Sexier than the Capital

According to recent research from UStarNovels.co.uk Birmingham has more romantic people per capita. Based on information collected from over 2,000 purchasers from the romantic and erotic book supplier, Birmingham has more people ordering sexy books. The list was topped by East Midlands neighbours

“Birmingham is a vibrant cultural centre that continues Nottingham, earning it the new nickname ‘Hottingham’ to attract record numbers of visitors each year. With – which, lets face it, is better than its previous one! the launch of the new Library of Birmingham in September and countless independent festivals on the horizon, 2013 is set to be a big year for arts and culture in the region, providing a unique opportunity to shine the spotlight on our diverse visitor offering. “Following the Cultural Cities partnership with VisitEngland, we will be launching a new campaign in March highlighting the region’s culture credentials – from our world-renowned arts institutions to the lesser known cultural gems – and the next generation of rising stars making a name for Birmingham and beyond on the national stage.” VisitEngland’s Cultural Cities campaign is the second of six launching over the next three months, covering the four key themes of countryside, coast, heritage and culture and is part of its three-year investment project called ‘Growing Tourism Locally’. Funded by £19.8million from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, the

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f i l t s h g w i nne s w e n

Dynamic live music arena launched in Birmingham

An exciting new live music and special events arena is being launched in Birmingham aiming to bring big-name acts to the city and a broad mix of great entertainment.

The Hub opens officially on April 5 with an exclusive DJ set from chart-topping JLS, followed by an after-show party. Mangers have already lined up acts including reggae legends Aswad, the Drifters, SKA legends Bad Manners and the fantastic Three Degrees as well as a series of UK number one tribute bands. The team at The Hub is currently working on securing some very exciting big names for the remainder of 2013 and 2014 and is also very keen to provide a platform for new, break-through musicians in the Midlands as part of the exploding B-town scene. Jane Williams, spokeswoman for The Hub team, said:

“The aim is to provide a dynamic new music arena which offers a broad cross-section of affordable live music to appeal to a mix of age groups and music genres on a regular basis, using a great space for live entertainment.” Simon Baker, events co-ordinator, said: “Essex House,

in Kent Street, home of the Hub, has superb staging facilities, a state-of-the-art sound and lighting rig, numerous bars, and large outdoor smoking areas on every floor.

“The venue also provides a fantastic, contemporary space for promoters with a passion for music, fashion and urban living. “The Hub offers a unique environment for live music in the city and because of its layout and venue size the Hub is able to give that special intimate connec08

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tion between artist and audience, and yet is also big enough to generate some wild and crazy energy levels from the crowd. It’ll be a dynamic place to catch a live gig.” For further information, and advanced tickets please visit www.thehublivemusic.co.uk or join us on Facebook.com/thehubbirmingham

Pop Up Rainbow

This May sees the launch of the new ‘Pop Up Rainbow’ concept that will take place at various top-secret locations across the city and revellers will have to follow The Rainbow Venues Facebook Page to find out more about each event. www.facebook.com/therainbowvenues

2:31 Goes To Ibiza 2:31, one of Birmingham’s premiere after-party events, is taking the brand international following the unbelievable success it has encountered in Birmingham. In the next few weeks details will be announced of plans for the brands expansion to the shores of Ibiza home of the after-party, where 2:31 hope to mimic the success they have achieved in Birmingham. For more info go to www.facebook.com/two31

Birthday Celebrations Two of Birmingham’s biggest parties ‘If... U Want It’ @ Bushwackers & Below celebrate their birthdays over the next few months. First up Below’s 8th Birthday in the Arena takes place on the 4th and 5th of May. Then we celebrate 7 years of Bushwackers at the end of May, Check the facebook pages for more info.

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How did you find out about the Suki10c DJ destruction competition and what made you want to take part? I chose to take part in the competition when I found out what the amazing prize was basically (laughs). I kind of heard about it the competition in passing... I was actually Djing at the venue on another night when I asked to take part. The organisers told me that someone had dropped out so there was a spare slot. I like to think that I’m not a big headed person, I do have my flaws, but I am aware of my strengths. I didn’t expect to win when I entered, but I thought that I had a pretty good chance.

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of gigs in Birmingham with them. I was involved with a collective called Munch Break as well, I rapped alongside a live band. I’m also influenced by the rave culture here in Birmingham, I listen to drum n bass, not to mention the reggae nights held here. All of that has helped influence my sound as an artist right now. I am a Hip Hop DJ, yet I play and listen to a wide range of music that comes out of the city. Specifically with Djing I am influenced by Hip Hop pioneers like Q-bert and my friend, DJ Switch.

How did you feel when you found out you had won the competition? I was pleased. I thought I would do well, but it was close on the night. The standard of the three DJ’s in the final was strong. All three of us did two half hour sets each to determine the winner. A few things went in my favour on the night , what I had

How has the Birmingham music scene influenced what you play? I grew up in Birmingham so I have always listened to lots of different kinds of music. I’ve played with bands on top of my DJing, so I know that end of the scene as well. I played and scratched records for many years with a band called Misty’s Big Adventure. I played a lot

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planned came off pretty well. I played last after the other two DJ’s, so that was a big help. I was really anxious just before they called out the winner, but I thought in the back of my mind that I had done

everything I set out to do and I had done it well.

What other venues in Birmingham have you played at recently? I’ve played pretty much all over Birmingham in the years that I have been Djing. I could read you out a long list of all those venues, but recently the ones that stand out are Suki10c and PST.

mixer in front of me. Serato allows me to do this. For me Serato is the best of both worlds. I can still use my turntables but can also get any music I want digitally. It saves a lot of back strain not carrying records around. That came in especially useful for a five hour set I recently played at the Yardbird Jazz Club. There are so many practical benefits storing your music digitally, for example as a Hip Hop DJ it is good to have two tracks of the same record. This can be done easily with digital files, it saves my having to spend my money on two records of everything.

I had a residency at a night at PST. I also like to play at The Bull’s Head and the Hare and Hounds in Moseley and Kings Heath respectively. I haven’t played at Spotlight yet, that’s a venue I would be interested in playing What future plans, projects and collaborations you are involved in? at some time in the future. I am also taking part in a couple of nights called Jam Hott at The Bulls Head and the other is called Brum Town Presents at Suki10c. I think I mentioned Munch Break before, that was a collective of 25 musicians playing in Birmingham. We started about 12 years ago and now that has developed How do you intend on spending the Prize into a 10 piece funk/Hip Hop band. We tend to revive Money? the project every now and again. The prize was split. I won £500 cash and the other £500 was in vouchers. The cash kind of just just went on a really nice Christmas and I still have the vouchers for the DJ Tech Tools shop in the Custard Factory. I want to buy a Rain mixer from the shop, but the one I want is not in production any more. I’ve had my eye on this expensive bit of kit for a while now. Once they have tracked one down I will buy it. I’m really looking forward to having a new piece of kit.

I was also given the opportunity to do Espirito de Brum last year, we also...went out to Brazil where I met some talented musicians. We were involved in a collaboration with a Brazilian artist that go by the name of The Kimodo Dragons. They came over to the UK in September and I had the honour of Djing alongside them. We also try and remix each others tracks. I would love to get back to Brazil again this year to do more work with the group. I’m always up for trying new things and seeing where my music takes me.

Do you mix on Vinyl, CD or Laptop? I used vinyl exclusivly for 16-17 years without ever touching anything else. Now the technology has caught up and I am currently using Serato. I can DJ with other setups but I always want to have two Technics and a

Writer: James Wootton

SceneBirmingham.co.uk

E S L PU m, acclai e d i w d orl es to pite w lse continu s e d el Pu unded ly gro c group Ste m r fi l , iconi et stil f Bireir fe my awards h t two o inal h t h m t Wi i a r w ing G n orig rview includ e inte yn Brown a ulse and r a r a teel P t. bbed evolve s Selw M gra muscician ocalist of S t tribute ac A H G v a N g I e d n i B M n k BIR ulse wor yer a SCENE ms hardest yboard pla ger of the P e n a i k h s ming g member, e lead in ow th d n , n y u n o f To other his br

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Tony: I used to go to the gigs and watch from the crowd. One thing that really struck me early on was ew rvi the mix of all different people, from all e t In nationalities enjoying themselves together always a good vibe. I think reggae does that; it has a way of bringing people together.

What was it like playing on the punk circuit? Tell us about the early days of Steel Pulse? Selwyn: Our parents came over in the fifties and lived in London before moving to Birmingham. We stayed with friends, the McQueen’s, who were already established here and had a property where we could live until we found our feet. When we started, we rehearsed in Ronnie McQueen’s

“

Selwyn: We were invited to play at the Vortex on Wardour Street, London amongst ten or so punk acts with the crowd jumping up on the stage, spitting and pogoing all over the place. We had two front people back then so David and Michael Riley went onstage before our set and literally talked to the crowd explaining that we play reggae… we don’t mind pogoing and jumping on stage but the spitting thing we couldn’t work with. Much to our amazement they didn’t spit…enjoyed our

The Police… got the opportunity to tour the US we were expecting to go with them but they decided against it at the last minute. We found out many years later…it was because we had similar music and they didn't want to risk the opening band being more popular!

“

bedroom later moving to David Hinds basement on Linwood Rd. We would all bring a record to the table, pick one and spend the week learning our parts…we were essentially a cover band.

show and cheered us off stage - when the next band came on the gobbing started again! There must have been a few people from the music press about as we hit the New Musical Express and Melody Makers front pages in the following editions. That’s how we crossed As time went on, more friends and family would listen over, which kind of paved the way for other reggae to us rehearse and gradually we realised that we might bands. have something. David was at Art College and I was an insurance underwriter working out of The Rotunda in You have a large UK fan base but are perhaps Birmingham. I would often arrive at the studio suited most popular in the US, Latin America and the and booted. I remember our first paying gig was at The Crompton Arms, Handsworth. I think we got something Caribbean; why do you think this is? like Twenty Pounds, which was quite a big deal for us Selwyn: We had a short spell touring with Bob Marley back then! 18

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mostly in England and Europe and had started touring the US/Canada) but when he passed away the music industry started to change.

How did Pulse Beat come about?

Tony: We thought it was a good idea to get together and pay tribute to Steel Pulse. We touch on some of the Dancehall music was becoming more popular in the UK old tunes but a lot of the numbers have been brought and we had to look for new audiences (we didn’t up to date and we’ve changed some lyrics to make quite fit in). After three albums them more relevant to present day. For the last couple of months we’ve been in the studio recording our own material for release in the New Year so we really want the band to have its own identity.

What are your plans for Pulse Beat in the future? Selwyn: I’ve just built a reggae track for a young lady by the name of Lauren Price; she has a great R&B voice and one to watch out for in the future. I’ve also recently done a little cameo spot (Reach For The Sky) with a talented rap artist by the name of Wizi, the music was composed by my son Joshua aka ‘Ijosone Light’ and together they have been producing some quality music. Plus I recorded a track with my other son Jason aka ‘Tayla Made’ (Searching for an answer) which will be released soon.

for getting USA.

Island Records letters and phone

we started calls from the

Originally we shared live billing with The Police who were also on the punk circuit. They got the opportunity to tour the US we expected to go with them but they decided against it last minute. We found out many years later when we bumped into Sting that it was because we had similar music and they didn’t want to risk the opening band being more popular!

With things heading in the right direction, part of my vision is seeing Pulse Beat playing out live and being able to showcase some of these up and coming artists at future shows. Steel Pulse is currently touring America and Pulse Beat will be releasing tour dates later this year.

Writer: Eric Joseph

SceneBirmingham.co.uk

Join the boys for an exclusive DJ Set

Five Rivers Launch Party| Five Rivers www.thefiveriversgroup.co.uk Photography by Studio Four Photography

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... U Want It

Celebrates 7 years...

This May @ Bushwackers

Birmingham

SPIN Saturdays Launch Party | Bambu Sat 26th Jan 2013 New weekly event at Bambu Birmingham. Photography by Wayne Parry Photos www.wayneparry.co.uk

SceneBirmingham.co.uk 28 SceneBirmingham.co.uk

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What was it that initially introduced you to electronic music and DJ culture? Duncan: I first discovered a love for electronic music around the time when Rhythm is a Dancer was at No 1. I still remember it vividly and I used to love all of the rave tunes. I was obsessed with The Prodigy and would listen to the old Fantasia tape packs on repeat. Then as I got older I2 had my first proper clubbing experience at Bakers and remember Delerium - Silence going off as clear as day, that developed into becoming a full on hard house nut at Sundissential every week to then coming out of my honeymoon period and finding a love for house that has stuck with me ever since. I was lucky enough to start playing at a lot of parties around the city and became a resident for Godskitchen, which was a dream come true. I had an amazing time playing for Gods but I kind of lost my passion for electronic music around 5 years ago when the whole electro and fidget scene was kicking off but then rediscovered it in a big way soon after by moving to London. It opened my eyes and ears and was the catalyst for me to start producing properly and was instrumental in starting to make music with Sidders. David: It was a collaboration between a bunch of genres for me, I used to listen to old funk and disco growing up as a kid. My father was always into rock n roll he played in bands from a young age as a keyboard player and my mother always use to play music at home. I grew from listening to Disco and Funk music to House music. I listened to every different genre of House back then but the one’s that stick out were Hard House and Trance just because of the scenes at that time. I used to go to big super clubs like Air in Birmingham back when it was Code, funny when I look back because I couldn’t listen to that stuff anymore but it must have hit a switch in my head to make me think about becoming a DJ.

You’re first big break came when you were featured on Richie Hawtin’s New Horizons cover mount CD for Mixmag, how do you feel this connection with Richie and Minus has helped to develop your careers as artists?

Duncan: Richie is one of the most influential figures in electronic music so to have him support us has definitely given us a huge boost. It gave us the confidence to believe in our music and want to keep pushing and put as much work into our productions and careers as possible. The release of Volcano on the New Horizons CD really helped us to start developing a fan base that we could communicate with across the social networks. We love talking to our fans and...when people write to us and tell us how much they love what we are doing.

where Richie and Dubfire where playing. It was incredible to see them playing in such a small space, once they had finished Joran introduced us to Ali and we had a good chat. He gave us a lot of great feedback and explained he thought our tracks

Richie kept supporting our music throughout 2012 and one track in particular titled Meh Meh was ever present in a lot of his sets including his hot mix on Pete Tongs Radio 1 show. We will always be grateful for the early help and support that he provided us with. We will also be eternally grateful to him for introducing us to the delights of Sake but maybe not the hangovers!

Tell us about your studio set up and how this has evolved since you started out two years ago? David: Two years ago it was merely an idea, so as you can imagine we had pretty standard home built studios. I don’t even think I had decent monitors? I was running an iMac with an audio interface and Wharfdale speakers using Ableton Live 5 and that was it! When we decided to begin producing seriously I stripped a whole bedroom out at my Mom and Dad’s house and completely sound proofed it with bass traps, rear panel diffusers, the lot! I bought a MacPro and some big Genelec monitors with a subwoofer as well as outboard gear like a MicroKorg, mics, keyboards, and a bunch of midi controllers like Native Instrument’s Maschine and the Evolution uc33 just so we can jam a lot of stuff on the fly when we record. Dunc also bought a studio and filled it with equipment. His best purchase has to be the Event Opal speakers, the best sounding speakers we have ever heard. I think one of the things that has helped us be more creative is in fact being in separate studios, this allows us to work on ideas and send them over to the other person to see if any changes need making without being on top of each other.

As we’ve already mentioned, you have recently been signed to Dubfire’s label SCI+TEC, how were almost there but not quite. He joked that he was did this come about? Richie invited us to his night Enter at Space in Ibiza in September last year. We flew out and stayed with our favourite dutchman Joran Van Pol whose track was also released on the New Horizons compilation. A couple of months prior to the trip to Ibiza Joran had introduced us to Dubfire and I started sending him some of our demos. We didn’t hear back from him so presumed they were not quite right. Before going to Enter we had been fortunate to be invited to Ibiza Global Radio

giving us a homework to go and listen to Riccardo Villalobos as we would benefit from hearing how his minimal style that focussed on the drums and bass worked so well in big clubs. We then went to Enter and had an incredible night and were blown away by the music overall but both loved Dubfire’s style and the way he played. We came back from Ibiza feeling really inspired and wrote two tracks particularly for Dubfire. One of which we cheekily titled Homewurk. Fortunately it paid off, he

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He tweeted to say we had definitely been doing our Homework and a few weeks later we signed the track along with Jack Tha Box to SCI+TEC. To say this was a dream come true is an understatement but it definitely proves that if you stay determined and focussed anything is possible.

5. You had your first international gig at Studio 80 in Amsterdam last year, can you tell us a bit about this experience.

Hawtin, but who else has supported you over the last couple of years? David: We have found out that Carlo Lio who is one of our favourite producers has been supporting our tracks as well as Octopus label owner Sian. Thanks to youtube we found Techno duo Pan-Pot hammered our release of Volcano over the summer so now we send them new music and they continue to support us. To get support from such pioneers in our scene it is a humbling feeling and if anything, it makes us hungrier to write music to go mental to!

David: Studio 80 is such an amazing club, baring in mind that place can only hold around 300/350 people, the place goes off! It was insane playing our music and 8. Looking ahead what do you have planned feeling that crazy Dutch energy from the crowd! To be honest Amsterdam as a place blew us away, so much for the future in terms of releases and your culture in the city and so many cool parties and people. own musical development? It was also ADE week so I am sure that added some fuel to the fire. Duncan: We have our first E.P coming out on Dubfire’s label SCI+TEC in March and we have a multi single We had some great meetings over there and it’s L.P coming out on another one of our favourite labels thanks to our friend Joran Von Pol, who also featured Octopus, which is run by an amazing producer called on Richie’s New Horizons CD, for helping us with the Sian. We are hoping to schedule this for April. We then booking for Rebellion at Studio 80. There are too many have more music signed to follow that but we have to highlights from that week...we met up with Dubfire be a bit hush hush on that for now. and the SCI+TEC gang. We went to a club called Trouw which was an old paper mill converted into one of the coolest venues we have ever set foot inside.

6. Bringing the focus back to your hometown, what parties have you been involved in and how are you planning to bring Whyt Noyz to the Birmingham techno scene in 2013?

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What advice would I give myself a few years ago it would be, don’t rush. Concentrate on the things that translate in a club, kick and bass.

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We played a separate gig for Rebellion Radio live from studio 80 on the Friday night before going to Awakenings at Gashouder which was inspiring to say the least, what a club!

We recently launched our own blog called NOYZ which you can check out at http://noyzaudio.com The blog allows us to review music that we love and invite artists to do interviews and podcasts. We have already been Duncan: We have played some wicked gigs for Face at lucky enough to interview some of our heroes including The Rainbow and are always really impressed with the Reset Robot and Sian, We also have a label spotlight whole team there and what in general they are doing coming up for Carlo Lio’s Rawthentic which we are for the city. The music policy is so diverse and they are really excited about. NOYZ will also be the name of always bringing amazing artists to the city with lineups our label that we hope to launch this year and I am that any part of the country would be hard pushed guessing you will be able to predict what our event to beat. TRMNL at Lab 11 is also one of our favourite might be called! All of these things support what we nights. We had an amazing night there watching Nic are trying to do as artists and although it takes up a lot Fanculli not too long ago and the parties there will be of time and investment it feels amazing to be putting incredible in the summer with that terrace! something back in to the scene that we love. We are so busy at the moment getting music together for new releases that we have planned but we are really excited about the prospect of launching our own night that focuses on techno, allowing us to bring artists that we love to the city. We also hope to continue playing for Face and are very eager to play on that dangerous system at Lab 11!

We are also working on migrating our DJ setup from CDJs to Traktor at the moment but we are planning to integrate many controllers such as Maschine to really provide a unique show when people come to see us play live.

9. Production can consume a lot of time but 7. As we’ve said you’ve received a lot of atten- what are your interests outside of making music? tion from the likes of Dubfire and Richie 34

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David: We both stay extremely active, training around 5 to 6 times a week each, it is good to break up the day this way and I feel it is like a reset button on your mind,. If you’re not feeling creative or the day is stressing you out then by simply exercising it erases any bullshit floating around your head and tends to puts things into perspective! Might sound crazy but it is true. I train a lot of CrossFit at the gym and I love MMA specifically the UFC, I love watching old fights and researching all about the sport. Seriously, I am a fan-boy, ask me anything! Other than that we are both really family orientated and spend any spare time with friends and listening to as much music as possible.

download all of the new latest plugins thinking that is the answer. We have been guilty of that, but it ends up being counter productive. Test your music out on your friends and try and get their honest opinions before sending them to DJs and producers etc. Most importantly have fun. Sometimes its easy to get bogged down in politics and feel dejected if your music is not progressing as quickly as you would like. The point of being involved in music is doing something that you love so its important to remember that and don’t take it too seriously...world peace an all that!

David: Funny, we still see ourselves as up and coming but I suppose if the question was what advice would I give myself a few years ago it would be, don’t rush. Concentrate on the things that translate in a club, kick and bass. Also I think it was Kenny Larkin who once Duncan: Practise makes Perfect! Its very easy to get said something along the lines of...‘make every track your hands on music software now and quickly put a track together but in my opinion too many new produc- by putting 100% effort into it, anything less and it is a waste of time.’ ers rush to put there music out there, on Soundcloud, Beatport etc. I personally feel its better to wait and really learn your craft and create a sound that is unique Any up and coming producers can easily be surprised, the music you are making now may not necessarily be and then start pushing your music. the music you will one day release. Keep that in mind and let this allow you to experiment with sound. First impressions really count and its more difficult

10. What advice would you give to up and coming producers?

than ever to be noticed, so you have to make sure when people hear you for the first time you make a statement. I would also say try and focus on a few pieces Writer: Sophia Blakey of equipment or software rather than be tempted to

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BELONG TO BETTER... ‘VITALITY POOL WITH SWIM JETS & WATERFALLS, BIO AND KELO SAUNA AND STEAM ROOM’

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theclubandspa, The Cube, Mailbox District, Birmingham, B1 1RN t 0121 643 2200 e birmingham@theclubandspa.com

www.theclubandspabirmingham.co.uk

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Theclubandspa is encouraging all of its members, staff and guests to strengthen your resolution for 2013. Whether it be to attend more classes, shed a few pounds or just get the most out of their membership, the Gym and Spa teams are committed to making sure that everyone has the correct motivation to complete their resolution. To see what resolutions have been made, failed and re-made and to make yours, head to www.facebook.com/the-club-and-spa-birmingham If you haven’t yet visited theclubandspa at The Cube then make sure it’s on your 2013 ‘bucket list’. As Birmingham’s only 5* club and spa - it’s a must visit. Where else can you expect luxury, pampering and that all important serenity in the heart of the City Centre? From the moment you walk into The Spa you will be taken on an incredible sensory journey, from mind and body balancing to water and thermal experiences. Your visit will be unique to you, no two people experience the same day at our health Spa as each journey is tailored to your specific needs and desires. Using only the finest Pevonia and Elemis beauty products, guests are transported away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city outside into a secret world, underneath the canal side bars and shops, where solace can be found in one of the many treatment rooms, each individually designed to offer the finest experience possible. Whether you want to take a dip in the vitality pool, sweat out your Christmas excess in the Bio Sauna or just drift off in our cocoon relaxation area, there is no end to the calm feeling and deliciousness that will ooze out of every pore. Mud treatments that soothe and enrich, salt treatments that enliven and cleanse and deep massages that re-energise and reawaken your body are all available. For the more active, there is the Milon Fitness Lounge, where you can circuit train in just 25 minutes, The Soul Space where Yoga and Pilates sessions are available and the amazing Urban Room where classes such as “Abs Blast”, “Body Attack” and “Bootcamp” There is so much more on offer than that though; a Laurent Perrier Champagne Nail Bar, a Canal-Side Lounge with an amazing range of food, drink and afternoon teas, a climbing wall for when adventure gets the better of you and of course the state of the art gym which provides all of the latest kit your workout could ever need.

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To make the most of your visit, we have put together some packages for special occasions; Birthday’s or Romantic treats Mr and Mrs spa day £70 per couple Your day will consist of a full day at the spa, with access to all of the spa facilities, this includes our steam room, saunas and pool. A light spa lunch is also included. *Discounts will be offered on additional treatments Muddy Marvellous £89 per couple This spa day consists of our popular Rasul mud treatment. This is your own private steam room, with treatment muds and salts that you apply to each other! Slather, douse and rub the invigorating mud all over each other and then wash it all off! What a perfect afternoon with you and your loved one. Your day will also consist of full access to all of the spa facilities, this includes our steam room, saunas and pool. *Discounts will be offered on additional treatments

Mother’s day Mother and daughter spa day £99 per couple Your day will also consist of full access to all of the spa facilities, this includes our steam room, saunas and pool, with an Elemis lime and ginger body scrub or an Elemis taster facial each and a light spa lunch *Discounts will be offered on additional treatments Mother’s day Champagne nail bar experience £59 per person This is the ultimate in pampering .You will have full access to the spa where you can enjoy full use of its steam room, saunas and pool and will also receive an everlasting shellac file and paint with a glass of champagne *Discounts will be offered on additional treatments To take advantage of these exclusive packages, or just to book yourself in for a day of luxury, please call 0121 643 2200. All offers are subject to availability. Plus don’t forget that you can use your SCENE card to receive a* VIP Day Pass for 1 person worth £45 available anytime throughout March and April 2013 (*T&C’s apply – booking essential) And make sure you follow TheClubAndSpa on twitter (@theclubandspa1) and Facebook (club-and-spa-birmingham) for more deals and offers.

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Just over an hour away from Birmingham city centre is the historic town of Gloucester, Gloucestershire. Dating back to the Roman period, the town has seen many changes since it’s inception in 97 AD, but it has managed to retain much of this heritage from the different era’s that have shaped it.

Visit With more than 500 listed buildings representing Roman, mediaeval, Tudor, Saxon and Norman influence, few towns can boast to having preserved so much history. Dominating the Gloucester skyline like a protector on high, Gloucester Cathedral tower is visible for miles around. With the original foundations being that of an abbey that was dedicated to St Peter in 681, the cathedral has a long and distinguished history and is the burial place for royalty and the aristocracy from centuries past. It is at once an ancient, awe-inspiring and a beautifully tranquil place to visit, and a must see. As one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in the country, the Cathedral attracts visitors from the world over interested in history, architecture and even in recent times Harry Potter, as many of the Cathedral’s alleys were used in the famous film franchise.

exquisite gothic detail of the Quire, which is truly breath taking or walk along the Lavatorium and pretend to be a student at Hogwarts. Ensure to make time also for the historic dock area that lead to Gloucester being given port status by Elizabeth I in 1580, making Gloucester the most inland port in the country and well and truly putting it on the map. Today, the docks still represent a thriving industry for the town along with a must see for visitors with an array of maritime museums, whilst visitors can watch skilled shipwrights and riggers repairing, restoring and building traditional ships and rigging all year round. The docks have embraced cosmopolitan life and are a sanctuary for a great many bars, restaurants and coffee houses, all nestled peacefully amongst museums and antique shops and forming a new chapter in the docks’ maritime heritage.

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Sit in the Cloister Garth and enjoy the serene atmosphere, whiling away the hours reading, writing or just sitting. Or bask in the stunning array of colours produced by the spectacular stained glass windows that feature frequently throughout the cathedral but are best admired in the Nave. Take a moment though to experience the

the of a good time

Where to stay? Less than ten minutes down the road from the Cathedral and 15 minutes from the docks sits the Hallmark Hotel & Spa. The 95-room hotel has been recently renovated to provide modern accommodation during your stay. SceneBirmingham.co.uk

The 4 star rooms are spacious and eloquently decorated, providing a resting place after a hard days exploration and features mod cons such as a flat screen TV and Wi-Fi access throughout the entire hotel. If that’s not relaxing enough, head down to the pool area for a swim, or languish in the sauna or steam rooms and let the healing properties of both reinvigorate weary muscles. For those that still have an abundance of energy, check out the well equipped gym with a host of resistance and cardio-vascular kit or part take in a game of squash, as the hotel has its very own squash court. Still struggling to relax? Never fear, as the hotel has a number of treatments available in the spa area where you can get everything from a facial, manicure and pedicure to a full body massage. Try the hot stone massage combining traditional massage with the soothing power of heat, which, after walking most of the day, was the best way to unwind. Most packages do not include an evening meal although if you are there for a couple of days I would certainly recommend the brasserie menu as it has a great selection.

With so many different styles bundled into one place you would image that the conflicting designs would juxtapose with one another. However, this merely adds to the charm of the town and is something I would much like to enjoy again in the summer months.

Facts Gloucester and the Hallmark hotel are between 1-1.30hr from the centre of Birmingham. The hotel is 2 miles from the city centre and 5 minutes from the M5 Hotel packages start from £49.50 per person including breakfast and treatment or local outing, based on two people sharing – single supplement available for an additional £20. Thinking of treating your mom this Mothers Day? Well, there is a special three-course Mothers Day lunch taking place on March the 10th Gloucestershire Cathedral does not charge and entry fee but asks that adult visitors make a £5.00 donation. Interested in taking pictures? Then a picture pass can be purchased in the gift shop allowing you to snap away to your hearts content

However, if your trip is a short one then venture out for the evening, as there is a plethora of award winning eateries to cater to all tastes and appetites within the town along with more than a few watering holes. Gloucester’s heritage and atmosphere makes it truly unique.

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e int Justice Williams is an inspirational figure within the Birmingham community. Rising to prominence following the award of an MBE, she is dedicated to showcasing the wealth of talented women Birmingham has to offer.

It’s been four years since you were awarded with an MBE, how has this achievement impacted your journey to success? It had a huge impact because what I spent the last seven years quietly in the background…suddenly I was thrust into the spotlight. I was happy to work with young people behind the scenes…but I didn’t like the feeling of being the centre of attention. Once I got my MBE, the media shifted from the work I was doing to more about me and who I was.

But just before I was awarded my MBE I was placed at 30 on the Birmingham Power 50, which was great recognition for a young female, when the list is usually weighed down with middle-aged men from the corporate sector.

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We have an amazing city and we need to do more to shout about how great the people and the city is as a whole. Most definitely not and they would argue that that’s not their job, their job is to sell newspapers/magazines – it’s all a numbers game that’s about web hits, circulation and readership levels. There needs to be more visible inspirational women but I don’t think we should look to the ‘glossies’ to do this. We have to start within our own community and build up locally, regionally and then nationally. We must create our own media and news outlets to change the industry.

Speaking of which, congratulations on the up-coming launch of City&Style, what will the magazine offer the people of Birmingham?

City&Style magazine will be the only lifestyle magazine in the region dedicated solely to young women. Not only do we provide a platform for talent featuring inspirational women from the region, but also we run an internship and placement programme. We want to support and help more media students and creative individuals gain much needed work experience to secure employment, or even start their own business or social enterprise.

How does it feel to have made such a significant Our focus is more on what the region has to offer wommark on Birmingham? That’s an interesting question because I never considered myself as playing such a significant role in the city. I think Birmingham is a great city and as much as I have had offers to leave...if I do leave Birmingham, I’ll be leaving the country. This has always been home and always will be. We have an amazing city and we need to do more to shout about how great the people and the city is as a whole.

en in the city who are doing great things. They deserve a platform to shine and that is what we aim to do and have meaningful conversations with our readers, discussing social issues that affect young women. When all a girl aspires to be is the next reality television star or own a pair of red bottoms (Louboutins) we have some serious problems in our society. There are plenty of amazing women out there but they don’t get the support or press coverage that they deserve.

Over the years you have been heavily involved You began volunteering within the local commuin mentoring young women. Do you think the nity at 14. How important do you think it is for media showcases the best role models for young young people to offer their time to good causes? women? 46

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www.cityandstyleawards.co.uk.

I think it is so important because you gain so many skills that come in handy later in life. You can find something that interests you and get involved on a local or national level.

Written by Talisha Johnson

There are always great organisations looking for support from young people. I was lucky because my mom used to run projects for young people…I remember Jamelia attending one of my mom’s projects and Gavin Douglas used to help his family out on their playscheme and has gone on to become a world renowned fashion designer. Volunteering and being creative at a young age… helps to give you a sense of purpose and direction.

What are three things that you have learnt on your entrepreneurial journey so far?

There is no I in TEAM and team-work will make the dream work. You must give in order to receive. Whether it’s an hour of your time, donations to charity, referring a client or sharing a contact, when you are helpful to others they usually reciprocate it. Your network is your net-worth. The reality is it’s all about who you know and not what you know. If you know the right people, you can make the right connections you need to help you succeed.

If you had the chance to spend a day in the life of any businessperson in the world, who would it be and why? Definitely Richard Branson, his book Screw it Let’s do It was one of the first business books that I read. He has built an amazing empire whilst still helping people succeed along the way. He is very down to earth and supportive of young people and helping them to succeed.

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There is more to life than fashion and reality television and I think the mainstream media spend too much time shoving these in the face of women.

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To find out more about Justice head to www.justicewilliams.co.uk and for more on the awards which take place on the 9th November go to...

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D R A C w o n y u b d scan an

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Terms & conditions: Valid at Lisa Shepherd Salon Birmingham Monday – Thursday appointments before 5pm. Appointments essential, please mention Scene Card package at time of booking. *Colour package is for a single colour service i.e. roots OR gloss OR highlights. Dual package i.e.roots AND highlights would incur an extra charge. Subject to availability.

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D N U O F

68 ack to e1ll3ers ming bin m v e a st tr g e g to passgone, but the r herita a rich ba ed its doors long habdeth, first openrs come anadys will be, s e a v h a h m a rs ba ere is, and alw Birminghhe Old Crown, Dvig r the yea for when Tarket traders. Ohoeles means that th positionolley m g ting pro v n u e and ra of waterin r all tastes. a th d a st ccess s among er to carve a pletho ing to cater fo makes lisush themselvech detria in ord bundanpce ab someth a ro st p e is p a th to ’ often be e t r, e m owev y attemvoured the ‘the a ‘theme bar’ cainng more damage Equallywhcomer as theh f o fa o ve ma ately d ged any ne petition. Some oawever, the stig has mana edly, ultim netts Hdilol n, creating a ecaof comin the market. H if done half-heart n e B in d oun e hea ecary that is d niche l to reputations Lost & F e bar’ isnsu th ly, The le menta ood. the ‘theem e tal apyo enticing. rtunateto m o F ri ck e p ta g x n sl u o tha ci li e d Victoridan a ent and

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unctuated throughout by the legend of Professor H.G Watson (or Hettie as she is fondly referred to), every aspect of the design and ethos of the Grade II listed establishment has been designed in homage to the great explorer of the Victorian era, who searched the world discovering new breeds of plants and flowers hiding them in her secret hideaway. Stepping through the grand wooden doors, one can’t help but feel as though one has been transported back in time or become part of some grand gothic novel the likes of Jekyll & Hyde. The harlequin patterned floor weaves snake like around the lower floor, interrupted by oak and original parkay flooring that segments the separate eating and drinking areas.

Immediately you get the impression that this is a feast for all the senses as the air is filled with the sweet allure of the cocktail ingredients and the leather furniture. The walls are covered with character wallpaper depicting old trunk cases and a huge floor to ceiling botanical library with dimly lit library lamps along the

long tables, designed to give you the sense of being in the very grandest of private libraries. Vines cascade down the walls and at every turn, intricate design touches have been made that continually peak your interest throughout your evening; from the top and bowler hat light fittings to the chandeliers made from crystal decanters and the scattered bird cages – each is at once out of place and yet perfectly in sync. That’s your sense of smell and sight covered but what about the taste? Fortunately, the Lost & Found has an extensive menu to choose from and once you have seated yourself in the lavish leather booths or in the oversized floral chairs you can start to think about the delights ahead.

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The mixture of textures offers you something different with every bite from the subtle resistance of the crayfish to the smooth bold flavours of the smoked salmon. A particular favourite though was the potted crab with it sweet sapidity and light texture - it leaves you wanting more. To accompany the fish you want to have a white wine, as the fruity flavours enhance rather than over-bear the delicate taste of the platter. Try the Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, with its light palate and leasing herbaceous thread that leads to a long lingering finish – it’s the perfect accompaniment to fish. The mains are possibly a little more limited than the starters but, nonetheless, still have enough selection to cater for everyone. Having had fish for the starter I craved meat and went for the 8oz rib eye and béarnaise sauce. Served in a deep-set metal dish, this is perhaps the only time that style comes at the expense of practicality, as the steep edges mean you have to angle steeply in order to get to the steak.

A minor inconvenience, for once you have navigated the edges the meat is succulent and perfectly cooked to your liking. Purists will ignore the sauce however; the deliciously creamy yet tangy sauce (used sparingly) invigorates your already stimulated pallet offering additional dimensions to the course. The main easily has the potential to be a fitting end to an indulgent evening but no decadence would be complete without part-taking in a dessert and Hetties’ puddings are a must try. The almond crumble made of cox apples truly put paid to a wondrous evening. One final thing, although we have been sworn to secrecy, ensure to ask what’s behind the bookcase and you might just find where Hettie has been hiding her flowers, along with one of the most stunning rooms I

Vines cascade down the walls and at every turn, intricate design touches have been made that continually peak your interest throughout your evening; from the top and bowler hat light fittings to the chandeliers made from crystal decanters and the scattered bird cages...

“

With a series of flatbreads, sharing platters, starters and light bites on the menu there is something to cater for everyone’s taste for the first course. Beginning with the seafood platter, the style is evidently reaches beyond the decor and to your plates, as thick wooden boards harbor delicate pots and jars of food.

have ever seen in a bar which left me slightly mournful that such extravagance has been lost to the world. But with the arrival of Lost & Found, thankfully some semblance of this lost world has been retained. To find out more got to www.the-Lostandfound.co.uk

Consisting of crayfish tails, salmon goujons, potted crab, Writer: Lee Hall smoked salmon, along with grilled scallop salad and brown bread – this is not a dish to tackle by yourself. SceneBirmingham.co.uk

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FROCKON

VINTAGE

FROCKON

VINTAGE SceneBirmingham.co.uk

Make-Up: Rebecca Frances . Nails & Words: Ami Streets . Hair: Lisa Farrall . Model: Micky Sass @ Models1 . Photography: Garazi

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Eyeliner goes graphic – get creative with geometric shapes offset against an on-trend outline manicure Keep focus on your feature design by perfecting a This season beauty is all about detail. Sharp catwalk collections prompted a suitably strong makeup look with dramatic eyeliner adding a modern edge. Featuring on the runway at Manish Arora and most notably Mary Katrantzou, backstage artists were inspired by Oriental precision in their imaginative application. The look is set to transition to next season with designers such as Daks and Dolce & Gabbana championing the liner trend for Spring. Begin your own masterpiece with a blank canvas. MAC’s infamous paint pots work well as a primer creating seamless coverage. Inspired by the original art medium the acrylic ingredient ensures long-lasting colour - ‘Painterly’ is the perfect neutral tone. Ready to draw the line? Gel formulas replace classic liquid liner in durability – Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner glides on before drying to a smear-proof finish. Enhance your eye shape by applying along the upper and lower lash line before experimenting with anything from an exaggerated feline flick to bold contouring in the crease of the eyelid. Finish by curling and coating lashes in Chanel Inimitable Intense mascara and finally, frame eyes with emboldened brows. Tidy hairs before softly filling in sparse areas with the super slim Precision Brow Pencil by Kevyn Aucoin.

flawless yet natural face. Try an ultra-fine foundation formula like Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup, which transforms from a hydrating liquid to a light matte finish and complement with the namesake concealer if more coverage is needed. Smooth and set your base with Jurlique Rose Silk setting powder – its translucency means it’s suitable for any skin tone and will keep makeup looking fresh all day. Choose a pretty peachy blush to add a flush of colour to cheeks, Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in ‘Calypso Coral’ is a multi-tasking cream that can also be blotted on to lips for a soft stain. Nail Art has become the ultimate accessory to any beauty look but forget the theatrics, this season simplicity is key. Start with a dark statement polish shade - chic and transeasonal; Orly’s grey ‘Decoded’ is a great alternative to typical burgundy and black base colours – before adding an outline to emulate your eye make-up using Orly Instant Artist Striper in Jet Black. Seal with a high-shine topcoat for the finishing touch to a work of art any aspiring Picasso would be proud of. Writer: Ami Streets ______________________________________________________

Your wedding day IS ONE OF THE MOST SPECIAL DAYS OF YOUR LIFE, AND AS THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION YOU WILL WANT TO LOOK AND FEEL YOUR BEST. It is a true luxury to have your makeup done by a professional on one of the most memorable days of your life, so indulge yourself in what will be an experience you will never forget. Rebecca recognises that every bride has a vision of how they desire to look for their wedding and it is a pleasure for her to offer a bespoke service to create that flawless look to ensure that you look as special on the outside as you feel on the inside.

contact Rebecca at Web: www.rebeccafrances.com Email: info@rebeccafrances.com Tel: 07969 128 341

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2009 MAKEUP SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR 2011

REBECCAFRANCES M A K E - U P

A R T I S T

The Bold and the Beautiful This spring inject bold colour into your make-up routine by focusing on feature eyes and nails. Be inspired by trend-forecasting colour company Pantone, who cited Nectarine and Monaco Blue as the official shades of the season. Referenced at many runway shows from Moschino to Roberto Cavalli, kohl liners were used in a multitude of colours. Choose M.A.C Chromagraphic pencil in Genuine Orange and contrast with ORLY Blue Collar nail lacquer to instantly brighten your beauty look Make-Up: Rebecca Frances . Nails & Words: Ami Streets. Hair: Lisa Farrall . Model: Anastasia G @ BOOKINGS Photography: Garazi

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mothmothers rs day Mothers Day - Sunday 10th March

March is the month to celebrate those wonderful creatures that do so much for us…our mothers! With Mother’s day falling on the 10th March, Scene Birmingham has put together a little guide that will help to make Mother’s Day that little bit more special. Competition We’ve teamed up with our friends at Murad, the premium skincare brand, to give away the perfect gift for one lucky mother. Featuring luxurious ingredients, this at home miracle package will leave her feeling pampered and looking fantastic. Included in the prize package (worth over £160) are: Renewing Cleansing Cream Ag-Diffusing Firming Mask

mothmothers rs day Sheer Lustre Day Moisture

For more information and details on how to enter the competition, go to www.SceneBirmingham. co.uk and check out the competition page for this and more great competitions. www.Murad.co.uk

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Birmingham is renowned and celebrated for its multicultural heritage and population. One of the largest and most vibrant communities that reside in the city is the Irish contingent…and boy do they like a party! Each year in March, Digbeth plays host to the St Patrick’s Day parade and festival aimed at celebrating the Irish culture that has left such an indelible mark on Birmingham’s history and society. This year, the parade itself will take place on St Patrick’s Day on Sunday 17 March 2013, whilst the festivities begin a week earlier with a launch at The Paragon hotel on Sat 9th March. The chosen theme for festival is ‘The Gathering’, which encourages anyone of Irish descent to pay a visit back home to the county, town and/ or village of their ancestry and discover more about who they and their family are. Whilst being unmistakably Irish at the core, the Parade increasingly mirrors the fantastic diversity of our ethnicities as we welcome guest appearances from other communities, serving to unite the people of Birmingham in celebration, which in these austere times, is sorely needed. Promising something for everyone, the bright colours, festive music and great series of events mean that everyone, for a week at least, can experience what it’s like to be part of the Irish community. Festival Highlights

Experience some true Irish sporting culture with a trip to the GAA women’s Gaelic Camogie tournament at Holly Lane in Erdington on Saturday 9 March. On the 11 March the Young Irish Gathering of music drama and dance will take place at The Custard Factory and on the 12 March there will be a literary evening at the Old Crown pub in Digbeth. An Irish whiskey tasting night hosted by Birmingham Whiskey Club will be at the Old Crown on 13 March and an Irish Craft Brewers Beer Festival at The Anchor Inn starting on 14 March. Everyone knows the Irish likes a flutter every now and again, so why not indulge in a favorite Irish pastime with a visit to the races (on screen anyhow) at the Old Crown’s race night on 15 March before attending the calming and peaceful influence of the flower festival at St Anne’s on Saturday 16 March. Finally after a week of festivities chill out at The Irish Film Festival hosted at The Spotted Dog on the 18th March.

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The Parade

Featuring for the first time this year will be the inaugural entry of the Central City Roller girls and South City Skate Crew. These battle hardened veterans of the combative roller derby circuit will be on hand to roll around the parade circuit – just don’t get in their way. Throughout the parade the soundtrack to the festivities will be the pipe and drum bands that will be out in force including; The Presentation School Band - marching ahead of the Carlow association. Also in attendance will be The Castlerea Brass and Reed Band that will lead out the Roscommon association. Leading the parade will be the charismatic St Patrick himself with his trademark finery ahead of a procession that is at once bizarre and a feat for all the senses to behold. Joining the parade from the East end of Glasgow will be the Tollcross Shamrock Flute Band, and those that enjoy an exotic tinge to traditional proceedings will be delighted to hear that The Dholblasters and Oya Batucada will be hammering their drums with gleeful vigour. One of Birmingham’s finest creative institutions the CBSO will be represented by their community choir SoVocal who will be performing a paradesque dawn chorus prior to the start – at the Selfridges end of Digbeth. Following the parade make a trip to the ever popular Irish Centre where you can be assured of a great craic, and from here you can visit The Emerald village, fun fair and hop to other local and welcoming hostelries. The parade is organised by the St Patrick’s Festival Committee in partnership with Birmingham City Council. For more information visit: www.stpatricksbirmingham.com

The Festival

Sat March 9th March Festival Launch at The Paragon Hotel £5 GAA women’s Gaelic camogie tournament 10.30 Holly Lane Erdington all day FREE Monday 11th March Music Drama and Dance. Theatre Space Custard Factory Tuesday March 12th Irish Literary night hosted by Irish in Birmingham. Old Crown. FREE Wednesday March 13th Irish Whisky tasting night hosted by Birmingham Whisky Club. Old Crown FREE Thursday March 14th Goats Don’t Shave supported by the Father Teds Irish Centre £10 in advance £15 on the door. Irish Craft Brewers Beer Festival. The Anchor Inn (through to March 2oth). FREE Friday March 15th Fundraising Race Night. Old Crown FREE Flower Festival St Anne’s through to Sunday 17th. Sunday March 17th Mass St Anne’s 10am Birmingham St Patrick’s Parade. FREE Monday March 18th Irish Film Night Spotted Dog. FREE.

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EVENT

Birmingham has a rich and musical heritage spawning been rocking crowds with their dreamy sounds since some of the most influential bands on the planet from 1978. This promises to be a legendary gig for the band that will encapsulate the sound of their new album. Black Sabbath to Led Zepplin, Durran Durran to UB40. Whilst many may say that was the past, the recent suc- O2 Academy, Birmingham. 8Th March 2013. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets £27.50 plus booking fee. cess of bands such as Peace and Swim Deep, has turned the spotlight back on the Birmingham music scene, leading to respected media renaming it ‘B-Town’ March 9th and NME referring to how Digbeth has been reborn Huey Morgan and The New Yorkers + Mike Marlin - The the ‘Shoreditch of Birmingham’. Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton. With so many great arena’s and music venues throughout the region, it’s no wonder that Birmingham is in the midst of a musical resurgence. Here’s a selection of gigs and concerts that will help you get you through St. Patrick’s Day and the Easter period!

Raymond Froggatt - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor - Robin 2, Bilston Cancer Bats - Institute Dhoad Gypsies Of Rajastan - Hare & Hounds

March 2nd

The Stranglers - The Assembly, Leamington Spa ME - Kasbah, Coventry

March 10th

March 11th

Yellowcard - Kasbah, Coventry San Cisco - The Institute – The Temple Insomnia - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Amadou Diagne and Gris Sanderson - St Bartholomews Church, Coffinswell Tall Ships - The Sunflower Lounge

March 5th

Sigur Ros - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Lumiere - Hare & Hounds The Virginmarys - Hare & Hounds

March 6th

The Darkness - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton FOALS

March 12th

Roddy Woomble - Glee Club Wednesday 13 - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

March 13th

Status Quo - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Marcus Malone Band - Hare & Hounds UTC Presents- LAPALUX (Brainfeeder) Under The Counter play host to Lapalux with their glitchy electronic sounds that have ensured they are one of Brainfeeder’s most recognised signings. There will be dancing and fun aplenty to be had at this mid-week gig. Book early to avoid disappointment.

The indie rock/dance punk band from Oxford will be The Bulls Head, Moseley. 13Th March 2013. Doors open playing in Birmingham in March. Having been signed to at 8.00pm. Tickets £5.00 plus booking fee. Transgressive in the UK and Sub-Pop over in the US, the band have gone on to record three studio albums. ‘Holy March 15th Fire’ was released on February 11th, 2013 and reached Ian Hunter Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton two in the UK album charts. This tour should see the Kataleptic and Husk - The Slade Rooms, band play new material off this album, plus a few songs Wolverhampton from their other two albums. Olivia Newton-John - NIA The Institute, Birmingham. 6th March 2013. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets: sold out.

March 7th

Wilko Johnson - Robin 2, Bilston Memories + Guests - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Status Quo - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

March 8th

March 16th

The Script - LG Arena FM - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton The Stranglers - 02 Academy Stereophonics - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton The Selecter - Robin 2, Bilston JOHNNY MARR

MY BLOODY VALENTINE

Former co-song writer and lead guitarist of The Smiths, Johnny Marr, will be touring the country in March. The Alternative Irish rockers, My Bloody Valentine will be show will feature all Marr’s own material with ruplaying a much-anticipated gig in March after the re- mours circulating that the gig will not have any Smiths lease of their long awaited new album, ‘MBV’. Despite songs in the set list. Fans can still expect an evening only releasing three albums, My Bloody Valentine has

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guitar brilliance as one of the most well respected and celebrated musicians in the UK takes to the stage.

EELS

American Lo-fi band, Eels will be touring the UK in The Institute, Birmingham. 16Th March, 2013. Doors March and will be paying us Brummies a visit by playing open at 6.30pm. Tickets £21.45 plus booking fee. the O2 as part of their tour. Emerging in 1995 the band has recorded numerous studio albums and EP’s. ‘Wonderful, Glorious’, their latest studio album, will feature March 18th heavily in this worldwide tour interspersed with some of Heather Peace - Glee Club their classic material.

March 20th

2CELLOS - Glee Club

March 21st

Inspiral Carpets - 02 Academy 2 Biffy Clyro - LG Arena Skunk Anansie - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Theme Park – The Institute – The Temple

March 22nd

One Direction - LG Arena Policia - The Institute – The Temple Alfie Boe - NIA Willy Moon - Hare & Hounds

March 23rd

O2 Academy, Birmingham. 30Th March 2013. Doors open at 7.00pm. Tickets £26.43 plus booking fee

March 31st

The Selecter - Auditorium at Ricoh Arena, Coventry

April 1st

Mapenda and Takander Group + DJs Pa Goree and Sowe Pullo - Hare & Hounds

April 3rd

Love/Hate- Blackout 2013 - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

April 4th

One Direction - LG Arena Ghost + Gojira + The Defiled - 02 Academy Harry George Johns - Inspire, Coventry The BEAT - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

Buzzcocks - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

March 24th

JLS

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus + Tantrum to Blind, Rat Attack & Page 44 - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

April 5th

John Smith - Glee Club

The Hub

March 26th

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - The Institute EMELI SANDE

April 6th

British soul and R&B songwriter and singer Emeli Iron Maiden Night + Iron On Maiden – The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Sande, has been the undeniable success story of 2012 Simple Minds - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton and looks to continue he meteoric ruse in 2013. From performances at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games to her debut album ‘Our Version of April 7th Events’ reaching number 1 in the UK album chart, going The Wildhearts – Earth vs The Wildhearts – 20th Anni5x platinum in the process, this promises to be one of versary Show - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton the gigs of the year. Scott Matthews - Glee Club King Charles - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton O2 Academy, Birmingham. 26Th March 2013. Doors open Eric Johnson - Town Hall at 7.00pm. Tickets £33.35 plus booking fee.

April 8th

March 28th

Emmure + Chelsea Grin + Obey the Brave + Buried in Verona - 02 Academy 2

March 30th

Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack - Hare & Hounds

Shelter presents; Loxy - The Hare Hounds

Marillion Weekend UK 2013 - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

Ian McNabb - Hare & Hounds

Jameson Raid + Guests - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

SceneBirmingham.co.uk

April 10th April 12th

THE FRATELLIS

Lotte Mullan - Glee Club

Fresh from a lengthy hiatus, the famous indie rockers from Glasgow will be coming to Birmingham in April. 2013 will see the release of a third studio album yet to be named. After winning breakthrough solo act at the Brits in 2007, the band has gone on countless sell out tours that have received great critical acclaim. This tour promises to be equally as much fun!

April 27th PEACE

Peace need little introduction in Birmingham as a local act. But just in case you’re not sure who they are, Peace is an indie rock quartet formed in 2011 that is championing the West Midlands music scene, racking up significant airtime on BBC Radio 6 thanks to debut single The Institute, Birmingham. 12Th April 2013. Doors open “Follow Baby”. Their first studio album ‘Wraith’ is set to at 6.30pm. Tickets £18.00 plus booking fee be released on the 25th of March whilst the band has been nominated in the Sound of 2013 Poll. 2013 holds April 13th great things for these local boys! Marillion Weekend UK 2013 - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Il Divo & Katherine Jenkins - LG Arena O2 Academy, Birmingham. 27Th April 2013. Doors open at 7.00pm. Tickets £8.00 plus booking fee.

April 14th

Marillion Weekend UK 2013 - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Don Broco - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Wild Willy Barrett’s French Connection - Kitchen Garden Café

April 16th

Astra + Purson - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

April 17th

Lower Than Atlantis - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton The Feeling - 02 Academy 2 The Leisure Society - Glee Club

April 19th

Matchbox Twenty - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Wiley @ Institute – The Library

Our favouite Scene Girl, Jess Slater, has gone through the listings of all the venues across Birmingham and picked out these great events across March and April that you don’t want to miss and caters to all tastes, preferences and fancies! Have an event and didn’t see it this time in Scene Birmingham? Then tweet your next one to @TheJessRabbit

We Love Saturdays Nuvo, Brindley Place, Birmingham Saturdays: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd March, 6th, 13th, 20th April

Birmingham’s boutique cocktail bar & club host a weekly Saturday night with resident DJs KBsides & Levi Bailey playing the best in Deep & Soulful House with April 21st Sidders on percussion. This is a guestlist only event; Edwyn Collins - Glee Club email steph@nuvobar.com for your space and / or table Pere Ubu @ Robin 2, Bilston bookings. …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead + TurbowEntry: Free before 11pm, £5 after. olf - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton www.nuvobar.com

April 24th

LOW - Glee Club Frank Turner - 02 Academy Big Country - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton

The Sunday Club Presents The Big Craic Rainbow Venues, Digbeth, Birmingham, Sunday 17th March

St Paddy’s Day see’s the return of The Sunday Clubs ‘Big Craic’. Expect all of the original Sunday Club residents JAMES + ECHO AND THE BUNNEYMEN laying down the party vibes this event has become known and loved for across the second city. DJs include British rockers James and Liverpool’s finest, Echo and Joe Hunt, Edd Cooke, Alex Parkin Tomola & more across the Bunnymen, will join up for an unforgettable night of the range of Rainbow venues, starting at 3pm running some of the best indie and post punk ever to be played right through to midnight! live. Tickets: £5 www.theticketsellers.co.uk O2 Academy, Birmingham. 25Th April 2013. Doors open at 7.00pm. Tickets £40.50 plus booking fee Face Warehouse Rave

April 25th

April 26th

Saxon - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton Two Door Cinema Club - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham Good Friday 29th March

FACE is back with a bang in 2013 with a series of Allnighter parties at the Rainbow venues. Good Friday SceneBirmingham.co.uk

brings deep house doyenne Maya Jane Coles, pumping house duo Bicep, Aus boss Will Saul and close label associate Midland. Running from 9pm until 6am, this is not for the faint hearted. Expect thriving, energetic crowds & party vibes at one of Birmingham’s freshest events. Worship at the alter of the Rainbow! Tickets: £15 www.rainbowvenues.co.uk

Crystal Nuvo, Brindley Place, Birmingham Saturday 30th March & Saturday 27th April

The team at Nuvo has come up with a brand new concept taking place once a month that sees Residents KBsides & Levi Bailey being joined by special guests DJs from different cities & percussionists. Expect fireworks! Entry: Free before 10.30pm - £10 after. www.nuvobar.com

Sneaks & Peaks Custard Factory Warehouse, Gibb Street, Birmingham Saturday 6th April

Sneaks&peaks is an exclusive sneaker & apparel daytime event, where traders from around the country descend upon Birmingham to sell rare, new releases & hard to find Kicks from the likes of Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Reebok and more. Also showcasing independent clothing brands, from start up brands to labels smashing the street wear scene all set to an eclectic backdrop of music from top DJs. Entry: Free www.facebook.com/Sneaksandpeaks

Comedy Showdown: Slim Vs Kane Glee Club, Arcadian Centre, Birmingham Sunday 28th April

Two of the UK’s heavyweight comedians come together for a night of comedy, jokes and banter. These two funny men pull no punches with their no-holds barred style and fast paced comedy all hosted by the fantastic Mr Cee. Prepare for your eyes to water and your belly to ache at a show that promises to be hilarious. Tickets: £15 + booking fee www.glee.co.uk

SPIN Saturdays Bambu, Wrottesley Street, Birmingham Weekly Saturdays

Birmingham’s iconic ‘SPIN’ brand has found a new home at Bambu; bringing its famously energetic crowd with it. Catch resident DJs Rue Jay, DJ Romea & DJ Mystery J playing House & RnB across 2 rooms with weekly themes & guest DJ appearances. Entry: £8 before12, £10 after. www.bambubar.co.uk

If Afterparty 76

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Bushwackers, Edmund Street, Birmingham Weekly Saturdays

Birmingham’s most prolific afterparty brings the City a sophisticated, weekly house event with resident DJs KBsides, Dr Love, OneFour, JusSoul & more across the months of March & April. Kicking off at 1am and running right through to 7am it’s an all-nighter for dedicated partygoers. If you think 2.00am is late…think again! Entry: £10 www.ifafterparty.co.uk

China Red Saturdays China Red, Wrottesley Street, Birmingham

Newly refurbed ‘boutique’ nightclub China red brings a new weekly Saturday night with host brands Deluxe Parties & Certified PR putting on themed parties with special celebrity guests each week. The music policy boasts the best in RnB, House & everything in between. Entry: £10 on guestlist. www.chinaredbirmingham.com

The Mile High Club The Laurent Perrier Bar, 25th Floor, The Cube. Weekly Saturdays

Join The Mile High Club for a glittering evening at the UK’s first Laurent Perrier Champagne bar outside of the capital. Enjoy 360-degree views of the city whilst soaking up a great atmosphere sipping exclusive skyline cocktails with a House & Club Classics soundtrack. It’s a hard life but someone has got to do it! Entry: Free - £10 Guestlist only w w w. m pw s te a k h o u s e b i r m i n g h a m . co. u k / c h a m pagne-bar

Writtenby James Wootton & Jess Slater

it, e g ud ve j t ’ ’ Don ll you i unt it... read

‘‘New visitors to opera are always astounded how many of the tunes they already know - opera music is embedded in popular culture.’’

SceneBirmingham.co.uk

Opera is for eveyone

Part of the richness and diversity of Birmingham culture is the wealth of artistic mediums that are continually on display in many stunning venues throughout the city… including perhaps one of the most challenging of all these – Opera.

to see, that they can identify with, cry and feel moved by. My operas have to be emotional, beautiful and not minimalist – it’s traditional opera with a sexy feel.

The best opera directors take the audience on that story with them, making them feel the pain and the joy. Of course the music is key, because music is such a As award winning producer/director, Ellen Kent comes powerful medium and can transport people to a place to town in March with her opera Carmen playing at the within their imagination. New Alexandra Theatre, she discusses what opera is and dispels some of the myths regarding the accessibil- New visitors to opera are always astounded how many of the tunes they already know - opera music is embedity of this enchanting artistic form. ded in popular culture. We see it every day on television adverts or used as the theme songs for sporting events Everyone who enjoys a good story, captivating music, or even as mobile phone ring tones. a trip out to the theatre and an element of escapism will enjoy opera. Of course there are degrees of opera - just like music - from the easy listening variety to rock, and there are more intense, specialist shows for serious fans…my opera is the former, almost opera for beginners.

Anyone who enjoys a good show, perhaps in the genre of the best of musicals like Miss Saigon or Phantom of the Opera will appreciate my operas. I want to make opera understandable and enjoyable - people don’t go to be educated – they want a good night out, to have fun and to be taken on a journey that they are part of, not watching from the outside with a confused expression on their face.

Opera music has been around for generations and is always being sampled or updated for modern purposes. Hearing it as originally intended lends poignancy and allows the audience to appreciate the beauty of the music, although usually there is the comfort net of familiarity in many of the songs, which completely dispels the myth that opera is highbrow or only for a certain, perhaps older, generation. Understanding helps.

I always try to ensure the songs are performed in their original language - on this tour that’s French for Carmen and Italian for Tosca. However, we use surtitles so the words are translated into English on a screen over the stage. I think this really helps the audience, especially those who are unfamiliar with opera, because unMost operas, especially the more populist and wellknown ones, are simply fantastic stories - full of drama derstanding the story, what’s going on and what’s being said, means you’re there with the characters, sharing and passion. When the curtains open I want people to say ‘Wow!’, I want to do opera that people actually want their emotion…not only feeling it through the music SceneBirmingham.co.uk

and the tone of their voices but actually understanding what they’re saying too. It’s a stereotype of opera that it’s full of generously proportioned singers wailing in indecipherable anguish… often nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, there are strong emotions - but love, hate, jealousy, longing, lust are strong feelings and must be portrayed as such. Every novel or television soap or theatre play uses those same emotions - Opera just add another dimension with the music. Of course we like to have fun too. I always like to introduce something a bit different and on this tour we have a magnificent white Andalucian stallion on stage in some of the venues in Carmen…we’re also using a live golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan in some of the Tosca performances, and in almost every show we have a donkey - there’s nothing more Spanish than a donkey to lend an aura of authenticity to Carmen. Carmen is at the New Alexandra Theatre on March 2 for tickets go to the New Alexandra website. For your chance to win one of two pairs of tickets head to www. SceneBirmingham.co.uk

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Cocktail of the month

MothersDay

Bellini Spoil your mother this Mothers Day with this indulgent cocktail recipe.

B ll Ingredients:

20ml Patrón XO Cafe 10ml dark chocolate liqueur Chocolate powder Topped with Champagne

Method:

Rim the glass in a chocolate powder; layer the liqueurs and then top with Champagne.

For your chance to win a bottle of Patrón XO Cafe check out the competition page at www.Scenebirmingham.co.uk - over 18’s only! T&C’s apply.

SceneBirmingham.co.uk

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To celebrate SCENE Birmingham’s 1st Birthday, we’ve asked one of our favourite DJ’s, Birmingham’s very own Marc Spence to mix us up something special! Bringing together the best tunes from the best DJs across the city... Marc Spence presents; ‘SCENE Birmingham’s Big Bass 1st Birthday Mix’ For more of Marc Spence’s mixes check out his Soundcloud page at www.soundcloud.com/marc-spence 84

2. Marc Spence & Chris Lorenzo - Vimto

h Mix g n i m Bir day

s ig Bas

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SceneBirmingham.co.uk

1. Ilgot’n’Gane - Eye Spy

3. Dom 877 - Do It RIght

4. Paranoid Resistance - Erotic Prince 5. Adele - Set Fire To The Rain

(Thomas Graham Deep Mix) (MS Edit) 6. Hannah Wants & Chris Lorenzo - Dappy 7. Tickle - Wot U Do (Marc Spence Remix) 8. Donkie Punch & Chris Lorenzo - Snapbacks & Tattoos 9. Pete Graham, Marc Spence & Chris Lorenzo- Who Dat? 10. De Contrebande - Middle Lane Riddim 11. Kry Wolf & Claude Von Stroke - Turbosteppa 12. Alex Parkin & Chris Lorenzo - Prove 2 U 13. NIc Perry - Girls Get Down ( Cause & Affect Rmx) 14. Low Steppa & Marc Spence - Need To Know 15. House Arrest (Ilgot’n’Gane Rmx) 16. Forget Me Not - Should Be Stronger

SceneBirmingham.co.uk

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FOR ALL YOUR MUSIC AND RECORDINGS NEEDS, VISIT RICH BICTH STUDIOS OPENING TIMES MON- 5PM - 11PM TUES-THURS 12PM - 11PM FRI- 5PM - 10PM SAT- 12PM - 5PM SUN- 12PM - 10PM

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Decemeber / J anuary 2012 *F ree

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