Street Cred Magazine - May 2019

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2019 - Page 19

Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness

MAY 2019

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ENTERTAINMENT

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THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT

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Roderick Williams OBE announceD as new Patron OF Birmingham Bach Choir

R

oderick Williams OBE has been announced as being the new patron of the Birmingham Bach Choir.

The famed British baritone takes on the role as part of the choir’s year-long centenary celebrations, and will be marking his appointment with a Special Recital Roderick Williams Sings Beethoven and Schubert - at Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire, on Thursday May 9.

With accompaniment from pianist Susie Allan, the mustsee performance focuses on Ludwig van Beethoven's An die ferne Geliebte (To the distant beloved) and Franz

Schubert's Schwanengesang (Swan Song).

Dating from 1816, Beethoven's An die ferne Geliebte is considered to be the first example of a song cycle by a major composer.

Featuring six songs, they collectively capture the yearning, pain of separation, suffering, hope, and enrapture of a lover.

Several of these were passed to Schubert by Beethoven's assistant, and Schubert's cycle shares similar themes - lost love, seduction, joy, hope - to that of An die ferne Geliebte.

Roderick is one of his generation’s greatest performers. Winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society

Awards Singer of the Year 2016, Roderick was awarded the OBE for services to music in June 2017 and works regularly with all of the major UK opera houses, as well as singing with many major ensembles, including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the BBC orchestras.

In 2015 he sang Christus in Peter Sellars’ staging of the St John Passion with the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, and returned to the role earlier this year with both the Berlin Philharmonic and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Discussing his appointment

with choir, he said: "I’m delighted to be associated with the Birmingham Bach Choir; living as I do in the Midlands makes this pretty much my local choir. My association with Paul Spicer goes back more than thirty years, so I am especially pleased to support the work he has done, and continues to do, with this proud and magnificent choir."

One of the largest and oldest chamber choirs in the West Midlands, Birmingham Bach Choir have played a central role in the region’s rich cultural life for 100 years, a historic occasion they’re celebrating with a series of special concerts and appearances.

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Gateway to the World delivers first-class experience The 2019 ‘Gateway to the World’ ultra-premium allinclusive gave Carnival enthusiasts an extra dose of festival flair en route to the Greatest Show on Earth.

Now in its third year, this annual event has truly elevated the standard for premium events in east Trinidad and provided its patrons with an opportunity to celebrate the splendor of the Soca Kingdom in fine style.

The old Piarco International Airport served as venue for this premium extravaganza and gave the fete’s loyal attendees the right mix of class, cuisine and first-rate Caribbean party vibes.

The event’s organizers, FODAT LTD gained high marks by patrons for the superb execution, decorative ambiance and strategic positioning of

ENTERTAINMENT

Where are all the Black women in Grime?

A

documentary exploring gender inequality in the music genre of Grime aired on BBC Radio 4, which was produced by Birmingham City University Journalism lecturer Marverine Duffy.

‘Where are all the Black women in Grime?’ aired on April 1 and included interviews with women who are making waves on the Grime scene, whilst investigating the lack of representation of Black women in comparison to their male counterparts.

In the past 15 years, stars such as Stormyz, Dizzee Rascal, Wiley and Skepta have become mainstream names as the Grime genre has grown exponentially.

Marverine was the Executive Producer of the programme for Boom Shakalaka Productions, a company led

by BBC 6 Music Presenter, Gemma Cairney.

Journalist and broadcaster, Marverine recently joined BCU as the director of four new undergraduate Journalism

bars and food stations that gave Gateway to the World a generally easy going yet festive atmosphere.

Gateway’s crowd consisted of both local event goers and even some foreign-based fetters that flew in for the weekend to experience first-hand the buzz generated from the event’s previous editions.

In keeping with the theme of ‘Welcome Home’, the diverse audience, mixed, mingled and enjoyed a wide array of local fine food offerings which included Roast Chicken with Cassava Fries, Coo Coo, Dumplings, Calalloo, Hopkins Rice & Stewed Chicken with Salad, Roasted Pork, Roti with assorted curried meats, Bake & Shark, Corn Soup, Doubles and Pholouri.

courses at the Birmingham School of Media. She's best known as a former Newsreader for the BBC, 5 News and Sky News, and has produced several documentaries for BBC 5 Live, 1Xtra and BBC Radio 4.

“This was a great opportunity to work on a documentary about a subject which is close to my heart: Grime music!

Back in 2012, I raised the issue of up-and-coming Black female MCs in my Radio 1 Xtra documentary, ‘Ladies with Lyrics’. The exciting thing is that the breakout star of those young women, who's now arguably the single most successful woman on the scene, is a Brummie: Lady Leshurr.

“I think it's a real shame there's still a reluctance to give women of African and Caribbean heritage their due. They are making huge moves in the scene, and this programme recognises that, and looks for solutions.”

The documentary was presented by Guardian columnist, award-winning author and Grime fan, Yomi Adegoke.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Sting & Shaggy announce UK Tour Dates for 2019

F

ollowing the GRAMMY’s, where Sting and Shaggy were awarded Best Reggae Album for their collaborative UK Top Ten hit record 44/876, the pair have announced their return to the UK with ‘The 44/876 Tour.’

A series of intimate and exclusive shows will begin at London’s Camden Roundhouse this May 19th with additional dates in Newcastle,

Birmingham and Manchester.

2018 saw the duo bring ‘The 44/876 Tour’ to North America, South America and Eastern Europe.

Hailed “one of the most anticipated concerts of the year” and “a reggae rock dance party that never lets up,” the show sees the pair collaborating on each other’s most celebrated hits such as ‘Every Breath You Take,’ ‘Englishman In New York,’ ‘Message In A Bottle,’ ‘It Wasn’t Me,’ ‘Mr.

Boombastic’ and ‘Angel,’ as well as new hits from 44/876, which was awarded the 2019 GRAMMY for Best Reggae Album.

In Spring of 2018, Sting amd Shaggy made UK headlines with a memorable performance of ‘Don’t Make Me Wait’ at Queen Elizabeth’s 92nd birthday celebration at the Royal Albert Hall. The track also featured on their collaborative Top Ten album release, dubbed ‘fantastically catchy.’

The pair also performed the track live on BBC’s The One Show, and in the latest series of ‘Mrs. Browns Boys.’

2018 also saw the release of ‘Skank Up (Oh Lawd),’ a further collaboration from Sting & Shaggy that featured dancehall music sensation Ding Dong.

Nile Rodgers & CHIC to play Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium Gloucester Rugby and Music Plus Sport have announce Nile Rodgers & CHIC as the next headliners in their summer season of concerts, headlining on Sunday June 9.

Announcing Olly Murs (Friday June 7) as the first headliner at the end of last year, the show soon became one of the hottest tickets in the history of Gloucester Rugby with Nile Rodgers & CHIC expecting to follow suit.

Rodgers is truly exceptional. He amplifies his legacy as a multiple GRAMMY-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist by constantly traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music.

As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated charttopping hits like “Le Freak,” sparked the advent of hip-hop with “Good Times,” and won CHIC 11 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations.

His work in the CHIC Organization and his productions for artists like David Bowie (incl.

‘Lets Dance’), Diana Ross (incl.

‘Upside Down’, ‘I’m Coming Out’) and Madonna (incl. ‘Material Girl’, ‘Like A Virgin’) have sold over 300 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk, Avicii, Sigala, Disclosure and Sam Smith reflect the vanguard of contemporary music.

Releasing their ninth studio

album ‘It’s About Time’ in 2018, the release saw the band once again work the cream of the crop of the current music stars ranging from Mura Masa and Stefflon Don to Lady Gaga.

Stephen Vaughan CEO of Gloucester Rugby said; “We are delighted to announce that Nile Rodgers and Chic will be the second act performing at Kingsholm in the summer of 2019 a couple of days after Olly Murs.

Nile Rodgers is an absolute legend in the world of music.

He has written, produced and performed on albums that have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Kingsholm Stadium is a unique venue which provides a special setting & atmosphere for concerts and Nile Rodgers and CHIC will put on a superb evening’s entertainment, one that we’re all really looking forward to.”

Co-Founder of promoters Music Plus Sport Simon Halden, MD said; “We are thrilled to bring the legendary Nile Rodgers & CHIC to Kingsholm Stadium for what will no doubt be a highlight of the summer alongside Olly Murs.

Gloucestershire crowds have consistently delivered a great atmosphere for the shows we put on and we know 2019 will be no different.”

Expect to hear some of the bestknown pop anthems from the last four decades. With more than 200 production credits to his name, the scope of Nile Rodgers' peerless influence is undeniable.

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Brit Awards winner Tunstall set to inspire songwriters at University

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rit Awards winning superstar KT Tunstall is set to share her songwriting expertise with budding musicians when she visits Birmingham City University this month.

The singer-songwriter, known for her hits ‘Suddenly I See’ and ‘Other Side Of The World’, will discuss how she approaches the songwriting process as well as demonstrating how she wrote some of her biggest hits.

The visit on Wednesday March 20 will mark the opening of The Songwriting Studies Research Network, a twoyear project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, which will help to unite scholars, industry workers and

practitioners for the exchange of ideas on songwriting.

Born in Scotland, KT Tunstall shot to fame in 2004 and has gone on to release six albums internationally.

During her visit to Birmingham she will be interviewed by Dr Simon Barber, Research Fellow at Birmingham City University’s Centre for Media and Cultural Research, and his collaborator Brian O’Connor, for their ‘Sodajerker On Songwriting’ podcast.

Since its launch in 2011, the podcast has released over 130 episodes featuring in-depth discussions with the likes of Alicia Keys, Paul McCartney and Noel Gallagher.

ENTERTAINMENT

James Morrison Announces Autumn UK Tour James Morrison’s current album ‘You’re Stronger Than You Know’ commenced a new era in the career of one of the UK’s most popular artists.

Its lead single ‘My Love Goes On’ (featuring Joss Stone) was named Record of the Week and added to the A-list at Radio 2 as it raced to 8 million streams.

It was followed by his first full UK tour in three years, which included what he describes as “one of my favourite gigs ever” at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Now James Morrison announces a new 12-date UK Tour this Autumn, kicking off on the 28th October in Ipswich, it includes a date in London at the Royal Festival Hall on 29th October and concludes in Southend on 14th October. Presale tickets are available from Wednesday 24th April at 10am and go on general sale on Friday 26th April at 10am.

Since first breaking through in 2006, James Morrison’s achievements include two #1 albums, five Top10 singles, a BRIT Award and sales.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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harles Dickens’ classic Christmas story about cold-hearted miser Ebenezer Scrooge is to be supersized into an arena spectacular this December,starring Hollywood superstar David Hasselhoff.

‘Scrooge –The Funny Family Spectacular’ will play at Birmingham’sResorts World Arena on 20 -23 December.

Taking the title role of the tightfisted Scrooge is former Baywatch and Knight Rider star David Hasselhoff.

Alongside the Hoff will be the much loved ‘Birds of a Feather’ actress Pauline Quirke as the Ghost of Christmas Past,who will be projected as a life size hologram onto a giant screen.

And, as a result of Scrooge’s newfound goodwill, he will be giving away £3,000 in cash to one lucky audience member at every performance.

David Hasselhoff said: “I’ve dreamt of playing Scrooge for a long time. The great thing about this production is that it’s not a panto, it’s a fully-fledged Christmas show.

“It’s the Dickens classic with great music on a spectacular scale in huge arenas. But just imagine coming to see the show and then walking away with £3,000 in cash! That’s pretty incredible.”

The Hoff and Pauline Quirke will

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Scrooge: A Funny Family Spectacular

be joined by a real horse-drawn Dickensian carriage,complete with an ‘intelligent’ horse.

The 16-hand white Arab stallion nods, shakes its head, bows on command, crosses its legs when it wants to go to the toilet and eventually lays down to sleep.

And to add to his CV -he even does an impression of Janet Street Porter! Other amazing show

elements include a Falobella miniature horse that pulls Tiny Tim’s hearse, a flying four poster bed, a black light ghost sequence with cirque aerialists, a fluorescent Ghost Train that moves around the Arena (complete with ghosts!), and the biggest performance of the hilarious’12 Days of Christmas’ you will have ever seen.

Something

Somethin

T

his August, B i r m i n g h a m Hippodrome will present its first homegrown youth production as a fresh new production of West Side Story comes to the main stage this August.

After extensive rounds of auditions and over one thousand applicants, forty local young performers have been announced who will bring the legendary musical to life in an exciting first of its kind production marking the theatre’s 120th birthday.

Leading the cast as the star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, are Alex Cooke (15) from Kingswinford and Kamilla Fernandes (18) from Coventry.

They are joined by Ruby Hewitt (19) from Harborne as Anita, Gibsa Bah (18) from Great Barr as Barnardo, Matthew Pandya (18) from Coventry as Riff, Olivia Allen (21) from Harborne as Anybodys and Carter Smith (16) from Yardley as Chino.

The full company is comprised of Luke Rossiter (14), Harvey Zafino (16), Brook Jenkins (14), Diarmuid Gaffrey (17), Hugo Montgomery (19), Kane Taylor (17), Alan Lewis (21) and Harry

Chamberlain (16), Maisie Lodge (16), Ella Kenrick (24), Olivia Caddick (14), Ebony Roy-Palmer (17), Tumba Katanda (18), Bethan Day (21), Rhiannon Lee Street (18), Evie-May Harding (17) and Nancy Ling (22) who make up the ‘Jets’.

The ‘Sharks’ gang features Jaye Fordham (20), Demi Walton (16), Jasmine Bromfield (17), Justine Matthews (22), Isabella Polidori (16), Ashley Savage (17), Alexandra Whitehead (25) and Elle Carter-Knowles (21), Oliver Cowlishaw (20), Aadil Din Mohammad (17), Harry Cooke (14), Tom Silverton (25), Adam Robinson (17), Adam Newton (17), Alexander Wooliscroft (25) and Kai-Daniel Augustin (17).

Joining the young company will be four Birmingham Hippodrome staff members who will take on the adult character roles; Benjamin Jones will swap Visitor Services for the role of Gladhand, Marketing Officer Chris Cooper will play Lieutenant Schrank, Visitor Services Administrator Nicola Entwistle will be Officer Krupke and Visitor Services Assistant Sabrina Naz Nabi will play the role of Doc. The creation of West Side Story will be overseen by a professional

creative team which includes Matt Hawksworth (Director & Choreographer), Paul Murphy (Conductor & Musical Director), Sarah Burrell (Assistant Musical Director), Ruth Saeger (Assistant Choreographer), Al Parkinson (Designer), Philip Gladwell (Lighting Designer), Rachel Baynton (Costume Designer) and Olly Steel (Sound Designer).

Director, Matt Hawksworth said; “We were overwhelmed by the response when initial audition notices were posted for this very special production of West Side Story.

After seeing a thousand young people at auditions, we now finally have our exceptionally talented cast. “Rehearsals have already began and we can’t wait to celebrate Birmingham Hippodrome’s 120th birthday with this brilliant new production of a truly iconic musical.”

Fiona Allan, Birmingham Hippodrome Artistic Director and Chief Executive added; “It is fitting that we mark our 120th birthday by funding a major new production, giving back to young people in our community.

“West Side Story remains just as relevant now as when it was first written, and holds many parallels

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Khalid Announces Brum Date For World Tour

I

g’s Coming,

ng Good! we can still see in our everyday lives.

“Our director, Matt Hawksworth has drawn together a tremendously experienced professional creative team, who will ensure that the company experience all aspects of mounting a major musical in the large scale.

“Our birthday celebrations are headlined with the strapline Then, Now, Always-this production will encompass this message in its entirety.

Then being the staging of this classic musical, Now is bringing a new production to our main stage, and Always is the hugely talented cast of young people who are the performers and audience members of our theatre’s future.

“I can’t wait for the curtain to rise on this brilliant new adventure for our cast, creatives and Birmingham Hippodrome.”

West Side Story plays at Birmingham Hippodrome from August 29 – 31. Tickets go on sale to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Patron scheme members from 11am, 25 April – general on sale begins Mon 29 Apr, 11am.

nternational multiplatinum-selling artist Khalid has announced four UK dates as part of his headline ‘Khalid Free Spirit World Tour’. The news follows the release of his highly anticipated new album ‘Free Spirit’, which is out now via Columbia Records and Right Hand Music Group.

An AEG Presents event, the fivetime Grammy Award nominee is set to take the stage at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena on September 21.

Since releasing his debut hit single ‘Location’ in 2016 which went on to go quadruple platinum, Khalid has continued to cement his global status as one of music’s most promising breakout stars.

Already accumulating a stellar array of awards and wins from the likes of MTV, Billboard and BET, his UK tour offers his legion of loyal fans a chance to experience his latest musical offering.

Khalid recently released his new single ‘Talk’ along with the music video, self-written and produced by Disclosure, ‘Talk’ is the lead single off ‘Free Spirit’.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Baritone, Eric Greene, a booming success S in Verdi’s Aida

et in Ancient Egypt, Giuseppe Verdi's enduring epic ‘Aida’ is a timeless story of love and betrayal against the backdrop of war.

A roller coaster of emotions told through Verdi's powerful music.

Aida, an Ethiopian princess, is held captive in Egypt, in love with a General, Radames, and he with her.

This compelling drama is currently on touring in the UK, with dates in Manchester, Hull and Birmingham to come.

And it was during a gruelling rehearsal ahead of its performance at the Opera North, Leeds, when leading man, Eric Greene, took some of his valuable time out to speak exclusively to The Phoenix Newspaper.

“My love for opera began at a very young age,” said the amiable Eric. “It was whilst growing up in Baltimore when, as a 4-year-old, in church, my booming voice was recognised and harnessed. Yes, that early.

Whilst at the Baltimore School for the Arts, as a 15-year-old, I developed a love for the classics – especially German – which always reminds me of hymns; and how the cords in their songs were

l Eric Greene, Alessandra Volpe & Michael Druiett at Aida rehearsals. Photo Credit: Opera North

Gig Listings

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

May 03 Catapult Club ft. The New Republic 05 David Rodigan & Mighty Crown 08 Chris Young 09 MARINA 10 Lower Than Atlantis 10 Catapult Club ft. The Butters Aliens 11 Samantha Fish 12 Halfnoise 15 Sons of the East 16 Alex Aiono 17 Jon Ronson 17 Alunah 18 Nirvana UK (Tribute) 21 Hellogoodbye 23 Manic Street Preachers 24 Sting & Shaggy 44/876 UK Tour 2019 25 The Smyths 29 I Don’t Know How But They Found Me 30 Gio Spano 31 Hipsway

O2 INSTITUTE

May 02 Nafe Smallz 03 LANCO 04 Open Arms 07 Ten Tonnes 07 Dermot Kennedy 10 Sam Fender 10 The Daniel Wakeford Experience 11 Straight for the Sun 11 Riscas 12 Cassadee Pope: CMT Next

Women of Country Tour 2019 15 KRS-One 16 Walking On Cars 17 Swervedriver 17 Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple “live” 17 Catapult Club feat. Xilla 18 Stone Foundation 18 Kamasi Washington 19 LP: Heart To Mouth Tour 22 Whiskey Myers 22 Children of Zeus 23 KSI & Randolph - New Age Tour 26 Estelle 26 Juliana Hatfield Three 30 Maren Morris: GIRL The World Tour 2019

RESORTS WORLD ARENA

May 04 Bellator MMA Birmingham Primus vs Wilde 4 May 2019 10-11 Olly Murs 15 WWE Live 20-21 Michael Bublé 27-28 Hugh Jackman: The Man. The Music. The Show 30 Mark Knopfler

ARENA BIRMINGHAM

May 02 The Original Harlem Globetrotters 03 The Vamps 04 Free Radio Hits Live 2019 12-14 Take That Greatest Hits Live 2019

16-19 Take That Greatest Hits Live 2019 23 Bill Bailey Larks In Transit 24 Alice in Chains 25 Rita Ora 31-02 June ESL One Birmingham DOTA 2

NEC

May 03-05 The Vaper Expo UK 10-12 BodyPower Experience 11-12 Makers Central 16-19 This Morning Live 17-19 The Baby Show 17 Loose Women Late: Girls’ Night Out 31-02 June UK Games Expo

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

May 02 CBSO: Mirga conducts The Firebird (SH) 02 Tubular Bells For Two (TH) 02 The Guilty Feminist: Live (SH) 03 RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq the World Tour (SH) 04 CBSO: Mirga conducts The Firebird (SH) 04 Jamie Lawson (TH) 05 Wet Wet Wet (TH) 06 80’s Symphonic Live (SH) 07 A celebration of the songs and music of George Michael (SH) 08 Propellor // Loom (TH) 09 Symphony Hall Tour (SH) 09 CBSO: Yuja Wang plays Prokofiev (SH) 10 The Kingdom Choir plus

special guests (SH) 11 Kevin Smith & Ralph Garman - Hollywood Babble-On - Babble The *U*K On (SH) 11 Dumteedum Live (TH) 12, 14 Michael Ball 2019 (SH) 13 Lunchtime Organ Concert - A Day in the Country (TH) 13 An Audience with Harry Redknapp (TH) 13 The Bizarre World of Frank Zappa (SH) 14 Josep-Ramon Olivé – Schubert, Mahler and Strauss (TH) 15 Marc Almond (SH) 16 Sheku Kanneh-Mason: Schools Concert (TH) 16-17 Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals (SH) 16 Sheku Kanneh-Mason in recital (TH) 18 Ministry of Sound - The Annual Classical (SH) 22 Russian Philharmonic of Novosibirsk – Pictures at an Exhibition (SH) 23 Town Hall Tour (TH) 23 Howard Jones (SH)

24 Nicola Benedetti & Scottish Chamber Orchestra – Mozart and Clyne (TH) 25 The Waterboys (SH) 25 The Big Birmingham Soul Night (TH) 26 Cory Band & Only Men Aloud present Brass & voices from the Movies (TH) 26 Lucy Worsley: Queen Victoria -Daughter, Wife, Mother, Widow (TH) 28 Tower Of Power (TH)

structured.

“Following that, though, I would soon be into the simplicity of Italian classics as my range – in taste and vocal cores – would develop.”

With a BA and an MA in music Greene served an apprenticeship at Virginia Opera where, his first voice tutor, as he put it, “taught me to respect music.”

Although he always had a special love for jazz music – especially the voice of Ella Fitzgerald – it is his work with the English Nationa Opera, plus former CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) conductor, Sir Simon Rattle, which would propel him into a worldwide conscience.

Fluent in German Italian and French, his booming baritone voice is in demands the world over. That said, though, his immense love of Birmingham has seen him visit Britain’s second city some five times – especially to work with the CBSO. He recalls: “To work with Sir Simon and the CBSO was massive for me with some experiences that will be with me for ever.”

Fast-forward and now, as for his role as Amonasro in Aida, Eric says: “If only you knew how long I was waiting to do Aida.

"Opera is such a great ‘storyteller’ – where you can follow in sight and sound and each individual can create their own narrative which has created such great music, great performances and, for me, a great experience.

“What more is there to love?”

Directed by Annabel Arden, Aida will be at the Symphony Hall, in Birmingham, on 11 June 2019.

29 Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels (SH) 29 Kip Moore (TH) 31 CBSO: Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 (SH) 31 Gov’t Mule (TH)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

May 03 AC/DC Experience 04 Crest Glider 05 Punk Runs Wild with Hung Like Hanratty 15 Sam Avery - The Learner Parent 17 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 18 Ian Prowse & Amsterdam 22 The Treatment & Bigfoot 24 Killing Eve 25 COBO (Comedy Of Black Origin) Comedy Shutdown

l Michael Bublé takes the Resorts World Arena from the 20-21

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Showcasing The Future of Gaming

A

pproaching the Tobacco Dock in London, you wonder why a gaming show like EGX Rezzed would choose a location like this for its sister event (EGX being the main event, usually at Birmingham’s NEC).

But with the smaller rooms allowing studios to create welcoming areas to present their games, the location suddenly shows its wonderful character.

From Triple A titles to University and Game-Jam games, EGX Rezzed had something for everyone, from an interesting interactive touch game in Bot Party, where 3 players have to “complete the circuit” when lights are displayed, to well known titles like Guild Wars 2, Sniper Elite V2 remastered.

In the RockPaperShotgun room, there were a variety of games from up and coming games designers attending the MA Independent Games and Playable Experience Design

course at Goldsmiths.

Midi The Cat was a puzzle platformer with a cat, which may not seem too out of the ordinary, but when the feline is controlled by using a real piano keyboard as a controller, the experience is something completely different.

There was lots to experience, swag to accumulate, and some very shiny vendors vying for your hard earned money, and you

really did need mutiple days to see everything that was on offer.

With some great titles to look out for including Nanotale Typing Chronicles, Pokey Dokey Paradise, Cake Bash, Dicey Dungeon, and many more, the lineup was great.

EGX is coming up later this year, but mark down EGX Rezzed for next year, you won’t be disappointed.

ENTERTAINMENT

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ENTERTAINMENT

A

long the canal side toe-path and part of Birmingham’s thriving Brindleyplace entertainment region you will find the Bottega Prosecco Bar; a venue which brings the best of Italy to the heart of the second city.

Situated as part of the Arena Birmingham complex, this new bar and restaurant not only provide views overlooking the city's Old Main Line Canal, it introduce to an original concept and give you a chance to sample the food and drinks menu, created by the Italian winery and distillery Bottega, it’s the perfect opportunity to enhance and share good wine, genuine food and convivial Italian lifestyle.

Opened in collaboration with Rai Singh, the creative director at Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Diner, in the city, founder, Evelyn Armstrong, knows that she has hit on a ‘goldmine' which provide the typical appetisers of convivial life along the canal sides appetisers of the Venetian ‘bacaro’ (little bar) or accompanied with simple, Mediterranean inspired dishes to that of Birmingham.

"Created with passion, Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant attracts professionals working in the offices nearby, event goers and families visiting the attractions in this area, as well as people living within walking distance from Arena Birmingham – all of whom are equally passionate about fine Italian food and drink - and very much be part of the attractions that draws millions of people who regularly experience Birmingham’s exciting nightlife.”

“We’re bringing the best of Venusian canal side lifestyle to that here in Birmingham,” says Corporate Head Chef, Omar. “It’s about being patient – with food, drink, people and friendships.”

What else is there to live for?

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Arena Birmingham Gets Gilded

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B

ritish luxury car maker Aston Martin Lagonda has celebrated the global debut of its first all-electric model, the Rapide E, at the worldrenowned Auto Shanghai motor show.

Alongside the productionready Rapide E, the hotlyanticipated AM-RB 003 and Lagonda All-Terrain Concept made their debuts in China after being revealed at the Geneva Motor Show last month.

The Aston Martin Rapide E, the marque’s first allelectric model, will be built at St Athan in Wales, Aston Martin’s home of electrification.

Just 155 examples of the car developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering will be built.

With twin electric motors producing over 610PS and 950Nm of torque it is the most powerful Rapide model yet.

The AM-RB 003 concept car on show at Shanghai is the first taster of what will become Aston Martin’s third mid-engined hypercar.

The sublime AM-RB

003, heavily-influenced by the game-changing Aston Martin Valkyrie is being developed in partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies.

Described as both evolutionary and revolutionary, AM-RB 003 will incorporate F1TM technologies that will provide it with unparalleled levels of performance.

Aston Martin has a longheld commitment to the rapidly-growing Chinese market, highlighted in 2018 with the announcement of a £620m trade and investment programme in the region, which has already seen an expansion in its dealer network and the commencement of a design and innovation partnership with the prestigious Tongji University in Shanghai.

In addition to this, Aston Martin recently opened its first global brand centre in China. The ‘House of Beautiful’ in Shanghai showcases every aspect of the Aston Martin brand, reinforcing the British brand’s commitment to the region which registered a 31% growth in 2018.

MOTORS

Aston Martin Reveals Future Proof Cars At Auto Shanghai

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Celebrate 100 Years of Magic With Disney On Ice!

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rab your Mickey ears and get ready for the celebration of the century as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic.

Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and pals take to the ice to honour the legacy of Walt Disney and welcome audiences on a magical journey through classic and modern Disney tales.

Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice. The production will be skating into Birmingham at Arena Birmingham from the 16th – 20th October 2019.

This fanfare production features more than 50 unforgettable Disney stars, a sing-along score of melodious masterpieces, stunning choreography, beautiful costumes and intricate sets.

Audiences will travel to the heart of Africa with Disney’s The Lion

King, come along for an adventure in friendship with the gang from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, and watch in amazement as Belle breaks the Beast’s curse in the tale of Beauty & The Beast.

Fans will enter the magical kingdom of Arendelle from Disney’s Frozen and journey up the North Mountain with hilarious snowman Olaf and rugged mountain-man Kristoff, as they help royal sisters Anna and Elsa discover that true love conquers all.

“This particular production is by far the largest Disney On Ice show we currently have touring bringing together everyone’s favourite Disney characters from Snow White, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to Elsa and Anna,” said Producer Nicole Feld.

“Our vision is for audiences everywhere to dance and sing along to their favourite Disney songs, so we’ve included 30 tunes that they know and love.”

This year’s Disney On Ice production celebrates some of Disney’s most beloved characters from 14 treasured stories. Audiences will find themselves dancing out of their seats as a collection of Disney melodies like “Hakuna Matata,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Let It Go” fills the arena.”

Fans can rock out to “Turtle Rock” with Nemo, Dory, Squirt and his rambunctious turtle friends, and fall in love with a musical montage of dazzling prince and princess pairs skating to “At Last I See the Light,” “A Whole New World” and more.

“This is a show, more than any other, which is truly for everybody,” said Producer Kenneth Feld.

“When I sit with the audience, I see those that are grandparents, like I am, enjoying a lot of the classic Disney stories, while young kids and parents really respond to modern day favourites like Frozen.”