Street Cred Magazine - July 2015

THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION AND LIFESTYLE

JULY 2015

www.streetcredmagazine.com

IDRIS MOVIE STAR, DJ, ICON

EMPIRE SOUNDTRACK IS ON MY DJ PLAYLIST! Have you heard the Soundtrack to the Empire TV Series?

Woow is all I can say, in regards to the vocals and production quality is faultless and is R&B at its best. This is the hip-hop-heavy soundtrack which has broke TV records and now topped the Billboard charts.

Get a load of Production by Timbaland with artists featured such as Estelle and Rita Ora. Yazz and Jussie are SURE to have big music careers off this groundbreaker.

TV - Online - MAGAZINE

Editors Note

It feels so good being the editor of Street Cred and having our supplement in the UKs hottest community newspaper.

Every Month we bring you our magazine with The Phoenix which boasts Fashion, Film, Gadgets, News, Gossip and of course brand new talent looking to break through the crazy music industry.

We always bring you what

deserves to be seen and we are very excited about our Street Cred TV online where you will see raw footage of interviews , events and loads more.

This month we filmed the Pastor of the Gospel music industry Mr Kirk Franklin and Mr Mojo of reggae group Morgan Heritage who you can also read about in our supplement.

Although great things are

/streetcredmag

going on I personally have lost a friend of mine who died of Sickle Cell.

We was close school friends and for years she had been fighting the disease, she was always a big fan of Street Cred and I would like to dedicate this month to her and thank her for being so strong for others while she was going through her pain.

R.I.P Serena Hamilton.

Songs to look out for are Beautiful, Money For Nothing, Good Enough Drip Drop What is love, “Money for Nothing” feat.

Jussie Smollett and Yazz & Good Enough” feat. Jussie Smollett

Princess

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Q & A With Mojo Morgan

W

e caught up with Mr Mojo of Morgan Heritage on their UK Promo tour for their brand new album Strictly Roots. We’d like to thank Punch Records for setting it up.

MOJO: We are here in Birmingham and this is the first time we have done promo in the UK in ten years MD: Tell us about the new label CTBCM? MOJO: Cool to be conscious music is about engaging with this generations music lovers I call them the galactic generation as they want every thing fast in real time, no delay.

On our return after we took a five year break we realized that the audience got younger by about ten years, so we said the new cool is being conscious; this is the movement we need to push to this next generation You don’t have to be religious to be conscious.

MD: You feel its good time now?

MOJO: Consiousness is all about balance. Its not about being too righteous, too spiritual its just about having balance in all aspects of life.

MD; So you are here to promote the album is there any shows?

MOJO: To promote the album we’re doing a series of re-

lease parties we owe the foundation of our career to the people in Europe.

We are performing a couple classics and giving you new records the responce has been overwhelming we will be back in uk for touring in October, November time.

MD: Chronixx is top now, how did you find working with him, was that good energy?

MOJO: Chronixx is a good youth a rising star in the reggae world it’s always important for us to endorse the future.

When we worked with Warrior King we was one of the first to see something special, same as Jah Cure when he was around and Capleton it means a lot to us to let them know that we support what they are doing and that we are not in competition with each other.

We should encourage each other and strengthen each other to bring this music to higher heights.

MD: How do you see the future for Morgan Heritage at the moment you’ve just started your own label?

It’s a complete new era for you really a new audience how do you see things going?

MOJO: So far it’s all good!

The album is selling well. It’s tiring though, you cant look at the VP and say why aren’t you doing this, why aren’t you do-

ing that. Now you have your destiny in your own hands.

MD: Where has been the most memorable?

MOJO: There are so many like Brixton Academy, we came here with Buju Banton. We was so unsure how it would be because the crowd was so massive and we were just starting out .

We had a signing with MCA 94 when we came and it was massive then when we came back a few years later Gramps sang Down By The River and they couldn’t even hear his voice MD: So what song have you recorded that has a magic moment for you?

MOJO: Has to be Don’t Haffi Dread, because it made people understand that if they look like you and don’t have dreads doesn’t mean they don’t have a clean heart and doesn’t mean they don’t live a good life.

That’s what being a Rastafarian is all about, and thats why Iidentify with the faith of Rastafari more I am a Rastafairian I may not have dreads but I feel it, I live it.

Art imitates life and life imitates art, we are very greatful for the blessing; we take great responsibility with the tasks that’s right before us. Strictly roots is all about a universal album with universal features.

Discover a whole world of voyages at The CRUISE Show in Birmingham

A

Kirk Franklin Concert Review Review by Yanique Taylor

H

e came, he saw, he conquered.

When Kirk Franklin came to the Bethel Convention Centre in West Bromwich, what an amazing and incredible show he put on for the crowd.

Words are not enough to describe the show and performance, it was definitely one you had to be there to experience.

With the help of his backing band, Kirk danced, jumped, run, and sang his way across the stage, he sure is passionate about God. He had the crowed moving, grooving and definitely singing.

He took it right back to the be-

s Europe’s leading cruise event, The CRUISE Show will host the largest collection of major cruise lines and specialist operators all under one roof for one weekend!

Whether you’re looking for a once-in-alifetime expedition cruise to a far-flung destination, a sumptuous ultra-luxury voyage, maybe a relaxing cultural river cruise or a tropical family cruise-holiday with lots to entertain all ages – The CRUISE Show at the NEC has it all.

Packed with information and inspiration visitors can enjoy exclusive money-saving show offers and upgrades, be inspired by the informative free talks, gain essential expert advice that you won’t find in the brochure, discover different ship styles and incredible destinations and hear directly from the cruise lines about what’s new for 2015/2016.

So, if you’re completely new to cruising and intrigued to discover what it’s all about, or you’re a seasoned cruiser wanting inspiration for your next adventure, then make sure

you head to The CRUISE Show at Birmingham’s NEC on 12-13 September 2015.

For more show information please visit www.cruisingshow.com.

READER’S TICKET OFFER

You can also get reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £4 (that’s saving £6 off the door price!!) by quoting ‘PHOENIX’ when booking tickets online at www.cruisingshow.com or when calling 0871 620 4024. (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

COMPETITION

ginning which had the crowd going crazy and getting in the spirit.

He spoke about setting your goals high as we should always be aiming high.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Birmingham gave Kirk a warm welcome. Even though he's a Gospel artist the crowd was filled with people from every community, everyone was having a blast and everyone knew all the songs word for word.

He said he was here to make “God a superstar”, and that's exactly what he did. The show was hosted by the beautiful Nikki Tapper who had the crowd laughing each time she did the famous Birmingham accent.

We are giving 10 lucky people the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show! Just answer this simple question below: Where is The CRUISE Show in Birmingham taking place? a) Olympia b) NEC c) Manchester Central Just email your answer, with your name, address and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “The Cruise Show”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 21st August 2015. There is no cash alternative.

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Look out for Birmingha m’s own DJ DAY DAY who is doing big things at 21 playing at some of the big gest concert after parties who include J Cole & Nas. We will be having an intervie w with the new era DJ on Streetcred TV Online about his new label Hoodrich .

eonie Henry has taken her passion for hair and beauty beyond the norm in her pursuit for that perfect look for today's man and woman.

After studying for a Biomedical Science degree at university, pursuing a career in Health and Social Care, working up to a Registered Care Manager, working with all ages of children and adults, she started beauty training, initiated by her sisters, which helped her set-up her first beauty business.

Working out what she needed to do, and having taken it each day as it comes, The Complete Beauty Box by Lushious-Lee was formed and, to date, has just been going from strength-to-strength in more ways than one.

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eyelash extensions, cluster lashes, high definition brows, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, threading and full body waxing.

Catering for both male and females alike, Birmingham-based Leonie is regularly called on to do exhibitions and major shows, as well as corporate events for large, medium and small businesses, throughout the Country.

She has a national client base and is now also a presenter on NewStyle Radio 98.7fm, educating her listeners on topics such as everything from the healthiest and most efficient way to apply and maintain make-up to the 'heavenly' body to beauty related health issues such as ultraviolet radiation and its effects on skin.

“I thoroughly enjoy my job,” she enthuses. “And now have a radio show on NewStyle 98.7fm, biweeky on a Tuesday, from 4-5pm, I have a great platform on which I can really enlighten the listeners in the healthiest way to apply and maintain makeup and beautify themselves using the latest treatment available within the industry."

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‘White Dee’s’ Column

The Benefit Street and Big Brother star writes EXCLUSIVELY for The Phoenix Newspaper.

Email: whitedee@streetcredmagazine.com

W

I

by Steve Williams

t proved a celebration to remember as Praza, Hagley Road’s new bar and restaurant, hosted a very special double-Gemini birthday treat for two of The Phoenix Newspaper’s finest Fabulosayou Fashion Editor, Yanique Taylor and Sports Editor…which is me!

At the sassier younger sister of award-winning Pushkar restaurant, on Broad Street, at Praza, the first restaurant in Birmingham with its own rickshaw, provided the perfect setting for what was a night of quality drinks, sumptuous food and dazzling company.

The new two-storey bar and restaurant, opposite the Oratory, in a large Victorian building, designed in striking black and copper set the tone for the evening, offering The Phoenix Newspaper party a choice of fantastically fruity wines, from around the world, before laying on some of the most sumptuous, fresh ‘to-die-

Perfect Party at Praza by Pushkar for’ food you’d have to go a long way to beat.

Sitting on the ground floor, with its two private dining rooms (one with a giant Onyx table) and

striking fireplace and tea and dessert corner, we were provided with the greatest of settings; intimate, yet open, enjoying

classy food, which is away from the norm with a seasonal menu, changing every four months, that’s not too expensive.

Yanique called it: “A 10 out of 10 night. The food was fantastic, the drinks, well, just okay after all, I was driving that night - and the service was out of this world. I recommend it to anyone.”

For me, it has to go down as one of my most memorable of birthday celebrations, in one of the most memorable of surrounding, in one of the most memorable of companies.

In the Edgbaston suburb fast being being labelled the ‘Mayfair of Birmingham,’ Praza by Pushkar gets my vote after a birthday night to remember, for Yanique and me.

ell its official we are already half way through 2015 where on earth does the time go!

The saying ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ well maybe that’s where the past 6 months have gone, or maybe someone somewhere is willing us all to grow that little bit older - talking of which - 16th July and yep ITS MY BIRTHDAY! Whooop whooop!

I remember ‘back in the day’ when I was totally dreading reaching the big 3 0 haha. Well I’ve well and truly gone past that by quite a few years.

I’m at that stage now where I actually look forward to my birthday, I look forward to getting that little bit older as each

day passes.

I put it down to having the kids, I can still joke away and say, yeah I’m 21, but then a little voice pipes up and says ‘errrrr no Mom your gonna be 44 and that’s really old!’

Or when your helping the kids with their homework and they ask ‘What was it like in the olden days?’ or ‘I didn’t know you could take colour photos when you were little’ errrrrr excuse me! Haha, these kids don’t really know they’re born.

I don’t know if you guys feel the same, but as a Mom, I want to keep my babies as babies - even though Caitlin (who will be 18 this year) has just started work experience with West Midlands Police.

Yep, my baby girl wants to be a police officer, A RIOT POLICE OFFICER, and knowing my girl, what she wants in life, she’s gonna get.

I’m just happy in the knowledge at the moment, that my baby boy is happy being a 8year old and running around with his mates, playing footy and tig and just being a boy, so I am going to make sure he enjoys his childhood until its time for me to step in and turn him into a man.

Talking of which -

as you might all know (or you will now) I’m a Catholic, and am bringing up my children as part of the Catholic church until they are old enough to decide for themselves which route they would like to follow as they become adults.

Well on the 13th June, my little boy Gerrard celebrated his First Holy Communion, it was so different to when Caitlin made hers as he didn’t have to wear a dress, didn’t have to have the posh hair do, so we threw him a party instead.

Seeing him looking all grown up in his smart uniform and unscuffed shoes, with his communion sash, I must admit, it did bring a tear to my eye.

I just love being a Mom, I think its the best job in the whole wide world, and do you know what, I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Proud as punch me - I just hope they feel the same.

Just before I go, don’t forget peeps, Simmer Down Festival is hitting Birmingham again, Sunday 19th July in Handsworth Park It’s great to see these events being put on in this amazing city that we live in - so lets show everyone how to have a good time Brummy style.

Hope to see you all there Dee x x x

Dear Edith...

D

ear Miss Edith, I am a 18 year old guy with a problem.

I realise when having sex I climax very quick and it’s very upsetting and embarrassing.

I did discover though that

when I drink alcohol before having sex with a girl it slows me down and I last longer.

Miss Edith is it ok to just continue to drink alcohol before sex?

Edith Says...

That is what happens when unnu can’t wait. And what you doing drinking alcohol as well.

Likkle bwoy a tink you in dis one too deep. Not only that you cannot perform you have to be drinking to stay on.

So what gonna happen when you get older?

My advise is pray because only God can help you!

W

ell well well. What a situation fi such a young man.

Bwoy o bwoy this one have mi tinking. First of all serve you right because you too young anyway to be having sex yes a said it kmt.

Miss Edith is hear to ansa all a unu questions.

Just ask me anyting and I will sure to ansa unu.

Just send unu questions to

dearedith@thephoenixnewspaper.com Mi would sey call mi but a nuh all di time mi in di mood to chat!

T

t r a f J e

i r C e t

t v a f a o d s b

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BIGScreen

REVIEW

Jurassic World

T

wenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully operational theme-park and dinosaur reserve called Jurassic World - An enormous, fun, high-tech and beautiful tourist attraction for the whole family, just as John Hammond had originally envisioned.

But with visitor numbers rapidly decreasing and satisfaction rates at an all-time low, the In-Gen Corporation decide to genetically engineer a new dinosaur in order to boost numbers.

However, their new creation turns out to be far more deadly and volatile than they ever imagined and when it manages to break free from the confines of its paddock and puts the lives of everyone on the island in grave peril, it is down to a rag-tag group of Jurassic World employees to track the beast down before it’s too late.

In the Summer of 1993, a film was released that sent shockwaves

through the world of cinema; featuring an intriguing premise, great characters, exhilarating action and game-changing visual effects that still hold up today, it changed the very landscape of Blockbuster cinema.

That film was Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. In 1997, Steven Spielberg returned to the director’s chair after a four-year hiatus to helm the sequel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park – a solid and entertaining follow up to his original, but one that never quite recaptured the magic of the first.

Then, in 2001, Spielberg stepped away from the franchise and Joe Johnston stepped in as director.

Unfortunately, script issues and well-documented problems during production resulted in yet another entertaining, yet flawed sequel that was met with very little enthusiasm from critics and fans alike.

While both sequels are still entertaining, neither was the runaway hit Jurassic Park was and Jurassic Park III seemed to be the

final nail in the franchise coffin.

For years, we heard rumours of a Jurassic Park 4, one of which featured human-dinosaur hybrid soldiers (no, seriously) but nothing ever happened.

Jurassic Park fans eventually accepted the fact that one of our favourite franchises had come to an end and our hope fizzled away.

However, fast-forward to 2015 and the impossible has happened!

We finally have a new Jurassic Park movie!

Colin Trevorrow – a filmmaker with only one other feature-film in his arsenal – was hired to direct, which sent confusion throughout the film world as to why Universal would hire such an inexperienced and untested director for such an enormous movie.

This coupled with the fact that none of the original cast were returning seemed to spell disaster for many fans.

However, fear not! For Colin Trevorrow and company have delivered the best damn Jurassic

wORDS by antony brown

adventure since 1993!

Though inexperienced, Trevorrow proves himself to be a more than adequate director capable of handling enormous scales and budgets and he handles everything brilliantly.

He allows the film to be lighthearted and fun, but isn’t afraid to let it go down a very dark path when it needs to.

That is perhaps the biggest shock about Jurassic World; it is surprisingly violent and brutal in parts, more so than anything in the previous three movies, but Trevorrow manages to find a perfect balance so that it never stays too dark for too long.

Based on his work here, I imagine Colin Trevorrow will be in high-demand to tackle some big movies in the future. He is definitely one to watch.

When it was revealed that Jurassic World would feature an entirely new cast, many fans were furious.

They had waited years for another sequel and were desperate to the likes of Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ian Malcolm again, but Trevorrow offered a fantastic explanation that makes absolutely perfect sense.

Speaking to IGN, Trevorrow stated “I know a lot of fans want to see the original characters back.

They’re iconic. But I respect those actors too much to shoehorn them into this story for my own sentimental reasons.

The only reason they’d go back is if the screenwriters contrived a reason for them to go.” I guess you can’t argue with that!

Thankfully, the new cast is full of bright, vibrant and fun characters that light up the screen and hold our attention.

While the entire cast are fantastic, there are two in-particular who stand out.

Bryce Dallas Howard stars as the highly-intelligent and clinical director of the park Claire, who pretty much runs the entire show and Chris Pratt as the heroic Owen – a man so badass he is the Alpha to his own pack of Velociraptors.

The Velociraptors are also one of the highlights of the film (as they

are in every Jurassic Park movie).

Here, they are neither good nor bad, but tread a very fine line between the two. Owen may be in charge, but there’s a chance of them switching at any moment, which makes for some wonderfully intense scenes.

Then, of course, there is the brand new hybrid dinosaur, known as the Indominus-Rex - An enormous, relentlessly vicious beast who steamrolls her way across the is-

SMALLScreen Insurgent DVD & Blu-Ray Out 3rd August 2015 Insurgent, the next gripping action-adventure in the blockbuster Divergent franchise, raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the dystopian ruins of a futuristic Chicago.

Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Kate Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite.

Literal Enlightenment

by Agata Klosowska

Sick and twisted. It’s a novel like no other. A pair of psychologically disturbed, married characters who end up creating a masterpiece of a plot for themselves.

Ultimately their determination to outsmart one another, drives them to live within a universe of lies, pretence and a fake marriage. A true writers sacrifice as they live in a psycho-novel town.

Their failed marriage and infidelity is what pushes Amy to commit her life to ruining nick.

In the end, some might argue that she turns nick insane.

Or does he finally become sane because he is convinced he will be a better man because he will not turn out like his father who ended up in a mental

institution?

A symptom, phobia of all men whose fathers failed them.

Oedipus springs to mind.

I’ve become somewhat obsessed with Amy’s character.

Her wicked determination to be the winning human being in the quest of proving a point of being a woman that can, doesn’t pity herself and manipulates everyone and everything in such a way so that she is always the champ on the podium of successful wives competition. The admired protagonist, hero.

I did not root for her, I remained faithfully on ‘team Nick’ but her Hitchcock-like thinking and wickedness fascinated me nevertheless. With her disturbed mind, psychopathic feminist ways, a powerful character is born, dies, is reborn

as Nancy and others again, and the cycle continues.

Clever, reminiscent of a menstrual cycle, or the supposed frequent change of mindset?

Gillian Flynn knows how to write and captivate one’s mind and Amy dunne has imprinted on my brain. It felt paralysed as I tried to sleep after finishing this novel.

She is a confidently composed heroine and she knows it. Not only did she manipulate Nick into doing the most extreme actions no husband would, but she manages to hypnotise the readers into believing first that she was indeed in great danger and we read her diary.

Fake diary.

She adapts several versions of a woman and she is able to pull them all off and get away

land, decimating everything in her path.

The Indominus-Rex is a fantastic addition to the film and has some remarkable abilities that make her one of the most deadly predators on the island.

Now, I know what you’re thinking; “But Antony, what about the T-Rex?” Well, without spoiling anything, all that needs to be said is that the she is kept under wraps for the majority of the movie, but once the curtain is pulled back and she’s allowed to roam free, your mind will be blown.

Jurassic World is a fun, fierce and frantic ride that delivers the joy, humour, excitement, adventure and pure terror we all want in a Jurassic Park sequel.

While the original Jurassic Park still reigns as the leader of the pack – the Alpha-Velociraptor, if you will - Jurassic World stands proudly behind it as the second in command Beta-Raptor, who could hold her own in a showdown but ultimately doesn’t pack quite as much of a bite.

Even so, it stands head and shoulders above the other sequels and brings with it enough fun, intensity, violence and nostalgia to please even the biggest Jurassic Park fans.

It also features one of the best, most exhilarating pay-offs in blockbuster history and it will leave you roaring with joy and hungry for more. Bring on Jurassic World 2!

Chappie DVD & Blu-Ray Out 13th July 2015

with those. She is the ultimate heroine and is fully aware, whilst Nick is poisoned with her game and refuses to let her win by sending him to prison.

Instead, he is left in hell with a woman he wants to kill and expecting a child.

‘Chappie’ is a robot, and the first true artificial intelligence, able to learn and develop as a human does.

Some want to study him, and others want to destroy him.

Kidnapped from the scientist who created him, Chappie becomes part of a street gang’s dysfunctional surrogate family, who decide that he is too innocent and needs to be toughened up.

To Advertise - Tel : 0121 231 3235 or email info@streetcredmagazine.com

Analogue Tales: Sounds From Arden

C

elebrated Birmingham singe r- s o n g w r i t e r James Summerfield has released his fifth studio album Analogue Tales: Sounds From Arden.

The record, a rich and vivid exploration of city of Birmingham and surrounding areas of the English Midlands, features the words of friend and poet Darren Cannan set to James Summerfield’s striking yet elegant

take on Americana.

Lyrically, Analogue Tales: Sounds From Arden covers ground familiar to most residents of the city, with the Jewellery Quarter, Longbridge Rover car plant, the M42, Ladywood, Birmingham city centre and Sutton Coldfield featuring in the allegories, observations, asides and stories that make up the album.

The extraordinary pictures of the region’s people, landscapes and identity has further detail added by the voices of guest narrators The Beat frontman Ranking Roger, broadcaster Robin Valk, James Summ e r f i e l d ’s grandmother Marjorie Summerfield, authors Mike Gayle and Catherine O’Flynn, and songwriter and actor Paul Murphy.

IDRIS MOVIE STAR DJ, ICON

HOT EVENING WEAR - BET HONOURS AWARDS

E

ver since his breakthrough starring role in the U.S. award-winning TV drama series, 'The Wire,' Idris Elba's acting career has shot sky high into the stratosphere – on both sides of the Atlantic.

With an ever-growing list of starring roles to follow, both on the small and big screen, the Hackney-born actor, who many have touted to be a future James Bond, has been winning an army of friends and admirers in all walks of life, for his outstanding acting ability, his fantastically stunningly great looks and, he might say above all, his street cred.

Having co-starred along the

l Abigail Kelly likes of Denzel Washington, Laurence Fishburne and Chiwetel Ejiofor, the 42-year-old actor recently revealed that he is focusing on music right now, as well as his established status in Hollywood, and here.

“I love working with music and making people dance,” he said.

The son of a Sierra Leoneian father and Ghanaian mother, the 42-year-old, a former worker at the Ford car factory, in Dagenham, aka DJ Big Driis, is equally at home in a DJ booth, as he is in front of the cameras.

Idris, the product of the National Youth Music Theatre and a £1,500 Prince's Trust grant, has music, and playing music, in his blood.

He says: “Music has always been

a part of me, ever since I was much younger.

I used to carry boxes and records, plus DJ, for my uncle when he would play out at weddings and the like,” Elba recalls.

Under the name 'Big Driis the Londoner,' he has co-produced a track on rapper Jay Z's 2007 album 'American Gangster' Idrissa Akuna Elba - his name is of Krio African origin, and he is keen to hold on to his roots – is serious about his God-given talents – as an accomplished and highly sought after actor – equally so, DJ Big Dri is making waves at a dance hall, near you, pretty soon.

Movie star or DJ, Idriss Elba is an all-round icon of our times.

Local Soprano performs Rossini classic in July

M

idland Opera presents a melodic and superbly-cast Rossini classic. Sung in English, and characterized with great heart.

In July the full company is

back at the Crescent Theatre to present Rossini’s delightful opera The Thieving Magpie with the part of Ninetta sung by international soprano and local favourite Abigail Kelly.

In a seemingly idyllic country community, nestled in Europe in the 1800s, Giannetto returns from war in high spirits. His plan is to marry childhood sweetheart, the plucky servant, Ninetta.

However, a series of unfortunate incidents such as missing cutlery, a disgraced father, spiteful villagers, a sadistic mayor

and a light-fingered bird, lead Ninetta to the scaffold instead of his arms!

Can anyone unpick the truth and save our feisty heroine from death? Or worse, from the clutches of the evil Mayor?

Rossini’s captivating score has been featured widely in films such as A Clockwork Orange and Once Upon a Time in America, plus a number of TV commercials.

The opera will run from July 15th to 18th at The Crescent Theatre, with tickets from £15.

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July 04 Respublica 08 Area 11 11 Brendon Manders 13 Anvil 18 Jake Quickenden 18 Beres Hammond & Bunny Wailer 25 Slaughter Horse 25 Jar Music Live Presents Ones To Watch 27 Soulfly

BIRMINGHAM INSTITUTE

July 02 Big Sean 03 Goldie Lookin Chain + Night Movements + Shaun Gambowl Walsh & The Plagiarists 03 Jack Rocks Presents: Slow Club + Ekkah 05 Modest Mouse + Hippo Campus + Elle King 05 Leon Bridges + Okay Kaya 10 CHRONIXX & ZINCFENCE REDEMPTION + Special Guests 20 Nicholas McDonald + Special Guests 28 The Sonics + Electric River 31 Solstafir + Special Guests 31 90’s Night Beach Party

GENTING ARENA

July 02 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 04 Fleetwood Mac 07 Fleetwood Mac 11 Neil Diamond 12 Run For Home 18 Neil Diamond

TOWN HALL

July 01 University College Birmingham Further Education Celebration and Awards Evening 04 2015 Brant International Piano Competition, Birmingham: The Final 07 MFY National Festival 10 MFY National Festival Evening Jazz 15 Mary Chapin Carpenter 25 Badly Drawn Boy 26 CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy 28 The Three Little Pigs

SYMPHONY HALL

July 01 Burt Bacharach Live in Concert with Full Orchestra 02 CBSO Schools Concert: Bite-size Classics 03 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Lee Jones Quintet 03 CBSO Friday Night Classics: The Ella Fitzgerald Songbook 04 Musical Picnic: Carducci Quartet 04 Jimmy Carr: Funny Business 05 Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman 10 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Stella Roberts’ Frida 12 Brolly & Friends 2015 Irish Charity Night 14 Project Soundlounge Presents: Affiejam And David Freja 15 Services for Education Music Service Gala Concert 17 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Sam Braysher Quartet 23 CBSO Summer Concert

24 CBSO Summer Concert 27 An Evening with Boycott & Aggers - The Second Innings!

31 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Rob Barron Trio

NEC

July 09 Solihull Apprenticeship Show 11-12 The Vaper Expo UK 23-26 Antiques For Everyone Summer

BARCLAYCARD ARENA July 03 Mary J. Blige 09 Bette Midler 29 N5L

CIVIC/WULFRUN WOLVERHAMPTON

July 05 The Wonder Stuff & The Twang (Wulfrun Hall) 10 DABS Disco (Civic Hall) 23 Camel - Greatest Hits Live (Wulfrun Hall) 24 The Drifters (Wulfrun Hall) 25 Kevin Bridges - A Whole Different Story 2015 (Civic Hall)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

July 08 Biohazard 11 Guns Vs Roses plus Sack Sabbath and Scopyons 18 Gehtika plus Destroyed Beyond Belief 22 Bars & Melody 23 Fell Out Boy 25 Blood Youth and Trash Boat

Magnetic: Cage Closed P ortal is one of the most ingenious and beautifully created puzzle games from start to finish, with a brilliant protagonist, intriguing puzzles and amazing mechanics, and its sequel does just as good a job, if not better in some cases.

Starting with a mini review of 2 other games might have confused a number of you, but it sets the scene for what Magnetic: Cage Closed wants to be.

Magnetic: Cage Closed is a first person puzzle game where your primary tool is a Magnet gun with push and pull settings with a variety of strengths.

My main gripe with the game is the imprecise nature of the Magnet Gun, it just feels a bit too

unwieldy. thing better means that this falls short.

The game has some lovely set design, That being said, it is still worth a look, dangerous and ingenious level layout and at only £12, it can definitely scratch and a bodyless voice ominously guiding that first person puzzler itch that has you through the test chambers (familiar been present since the end of Portal 2! anyone?).

While the premise is good, sadly it does not live up to the expectations that it builds. In its We’ve got 5 Steam copies of the game to give away, and own right, it is a all you need to do is answer this simple question below: good game, with decent mechanWhat does the gun in Magnetic: Cage Closed manipulate? ics, a nice artistic a) The Weather style and some b) Magnetism head-scratchingly c) Reality infuriating puzzles, however the fact that there are other Just email your answer, with your name, address and contact games in the same number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with genre (Portal and the subject “Magnetic”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 23rd Magrunner) that July 2015. There is no cash alternative. do the same sort of

COMPETITION

What’s On Alice Cooper Pavillions, Plymouth 29th October 2015

Because Halloween would just not be the same without the king of horror rock, the mighty Alice Cooper’s always highlyanticpated All Hallow’s Eve trip to the UK returns for 2015.

Having previously celebrated his favourite holiday in style in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Alice Cooper show returns to the UK for two special nights at Plymouth Pavilions (Oct 29) and Swindon Oasis (Oct 30) with blood, guts, gore and some of the greatest rock and roll music in history.

He is also appearing as the ‘Very Special Guest’ on Motley Crue’s farewell “ F i n a l Tour” in Europe, having blazed a trail with them across the USA and Australia/New Zealand throughout 2014 and 2015.

The UK shows are from Nov 2nd-6th culminating in London SSE Arena, Wembley, the 40th

USVI Music Festival St Thomas, US Virgin Islands 16-19 July 2015

anniversary of his legendary Welcome To My Nightmare tour hitting the same venue.

Until then, join Alice Cooper in all his dark majesty for the ultimate Halloween shows.

On the heels of the St. John Festival carnival celebration to be held over the July 4th holiday weekend, its sister island St. Thomas will take its turn to host America’s Paradise USVI Music Festival featuring top tier musicians and entertainers from July 16 to 19.

The summer festival features the likes of Barrington Levy, Destra, Don Omar, Third World, Cedric The Entertainer, Future, and the Virgin

Islands’ own reggae musician Pressure Busspipe.

“Special events such as Music Fest help to drive business throughout the summer months,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism for the United States Virgin Islands. “We are looking forward to, not only enjoying some great music and entertainment, but also welcoming many visitors and festival goers to Charlotte Amalie next month,” she added.

Volume 3 July 2015

Summer loving Hey Fabulosayou summer bugs!

The weeks are really flying now we’ve hit summer; I can’t believe all the attention Fabulosayou has been receiving!

We have so much to look forward to in this edition including our feature this month on men’s skincare.

Believe me, you’re going to love it. I won’t say anymore, but we are so hot on bringing you the latest up to the minute styles, looks and trends.

LETS DO THIS! If you feel you can contribute to this., we have 3 months voluntary contracts available.

Send in your ideas, comments and suggestions to fabulosayou@thephoenixnewspaper.com or ring us on 0121 231 3235

Contents

You too can look like a million dollars Hair, Makeup, Nails. Total makeover, for any occasion.

Book the FabulosaYou makeover team for that special occasion. Wedding, Anniversary, Birthdays, Parties, Proms or Special events.

24

Bag to the Future Kiss Cosmetics

25

Mens Skincare Meet Indi Deol

26

Selina Besley Jump From Paper Shoot

The Skin

T

he skin is the largest organ.

It can weigh up to 3.5 kgs and cover two square meters. It also makes up about 16 percent of our body weight.

Laughing 100 times

is equivalent to 15 minutes of exercise on a stationary bicycle.

Smiling can keep you young! You only use 17 muscles when smiling as supposed to 43 when frowning, so keep on smiling through everything!

Makeup Full face from £150 Eyes & brows from £75 Prom from £45

Hair Full head extensions from £100 Half head from £65 Per Row from £30

Nails Full set of Gel from £50 Gel polish from £25

? ? ?

MODELS R US!

W

e are looking for models for photoshoots, exhibitions, events and much more, including The Phoenix Newspaper’s 5th Anniversary, Launch and Gala Awards Ceremony.

For more information and bookings

fabulosayou@thephoenixnewspaper.com Or call us on

0121 231 3235

“If you think you have the sophistication, the right look, and the right attitude to become a part of our team at FabulosaYou, get on board and drop us an email.”

modelsareus@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Yanique Taylor Fashion & Beauty Editor

What’re you looking at?

If you’re reading this advert, chances are thousands of others have too.

Get your company into the next edition of The Phoenix Newspaper to reach out to over 800,000 readers in print

QUESTION TIME

? ?

What’s on your mind? Last month we asked Phoenix readers...

What would you do if you had no fear?

I would sell everything and move to Italy. I spent summers there as a kid, and I’d love to go back and open a little cafe’ or yoga studio. Who knows? Maybe someday I will.

Sasha Wells, Brooklyn I would take more professional risks. I’m only 23, but the thought of changing career paths and losing ground is scary.

Terri Wells, Bloxwich I would write a children’s book.

Whenever I spend some quiet time brainstorming, my fear blocks the ideas from flowing. But somehow I’ll figure out how to get started.

Leah Fields, Birmingham

I would take a break. Fear of not having enough pushes me to put earning a living ahead of my passions, the fear of unpopularity keeps my social calendar full, and the fear of a messy home makes me clean more than I need to. Without all that, I’d be able to breathe and live in the moment.

Janice Smith, Coventry

Our next question: What is the weirdest thing about you?

Let us know your stories by emailing yanique.taylor@ thephoenixnewspaper.com or questiontime@ thephoenixnewspaper.com and your answer could be featured in our July edition.

Submissions for publication may be edited for length and clarity. All submissions become the property of The Phoenix Newspaper.

M

Jump From Paper

T

hese genuine, reallife bags are designed to look like they're straight from the world of cartoons. Accessories looking like they’re from the 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Japanese brand Jump From Paper is a fashion brand designing bags with boldness and playfulness, in an attempt to break the rules. Colourful, quirky and always with a sense of humour, Jump From Paper stands for the passion to make laughs, and en-

courages people to let their imagination go wild.

Inspired by sport and campus life, Jump From Paper collection showcases bright colours like red, blue, and yellow with its bold outline. Styles include Adventure backpack, Ollie cross- body bag, Summer Breeze handbag, Boyhood messenger bag and Sparkle coin purse.

Prices start from £70 for a bag and £30 for a purse and can be purchased from their website www.jumpfrompaper.com

en's bags account for 20% of the luxury bag market.

Today this trend is rapidly spreading like an aggressive wild fire across the globe.

It's not uncommon now to see a man carrying a sophisticated lightweight holdall bag over his shoulder as we walks into the gym or a suave tan leather folio bag under his arm as he enters the Board Room.

So, what about? Are you a bag man? Or maybe you are considering stepping on the wild side, but unsure about where to start.

Well great news!

Fabulosayou is here to help.

If you are a man bag newbie, purchasing a maximum of two bags should be a sufficient start to upgrading your wardrobe.

Ensure that you base your purchases on two key essential factors; Where you spend most of your time?

Where you like going in your spare?

Considering this will prevent you from making those regrettable purchases that end up sitting on your shelf gathering dust.

Usher Raymond Holdall Bag

Jamie Fox Cross Body Bag

Bag to the future

by Chantelle Gillespie

Keep Cool in the

Shade

Heart Shaped Face

S

by Chantelle Gillespie

Model : Karena Hazell | Make Up :Yanique Taylor | Photographers : Mark Dwayne & Daniel Riley

David Beckham Backpack

earching for the perfect sunglasses for the summer can be a challenging task.

It's frustrating when you waste time trying on frame after frame, only to find they look absolutely fantastic on the shelf, but completely ridiculous on your face.

The reason for this is due to the fact that we all have different shaped faces; therefore

probably not all styles of frames will suit you.

The best place to start on your quest for the right shades is by working out what your face shape actually is.

Begin by taking some time out to study your face in the mirror for a few seconds.

Here are a few helpful suggestions and a quick guide to help you to identify your face shape.

Round Face

(Wide forehead, wide cheeks and narrow chin)

(Round forehead, wide cheeks, round chin)

Look for: Shades that are wider at the top, retro or sports sunglasses.

Look for: Shades that are square or retro shaped.

Oakley - Polorized Radar Path £235, Oakley - Holbrook £105

Emporio Armani £125, Dolce & Gabbana £115

Oval Face

(Narrow forehead, wide cheeks, narrow chin)

Look for: Any type of frame, but ensure they are not too big or small.

Ray-Ban Original Aviator £135, Prada Linea Rossa £190

Square Face

(Wide forehead, wide cheeks, wide chin)

Look for: Shades with rimless edges and soft lines - round, shield

Vogue £94, H&M £9.99

Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Men’s skin care

soaps or face scrubs.

This makes your skin dry and when your skin is dry you appear wrinkly and much older.

And I’m very sure that’s not what you’re looking for.

It is important to have a gentle cleanser that will cleanse the skin from the dirt and oil that can build up.

Use a toner after you cleanse

F

ellas, if you’re getting up in the morning, washing your face with a bar of soap and water and running out the door, then it’s time to step up your skincare game.

We aren’t suggesting that you fill up your medicine cabinet with hard-to-pronounce cleansers and creams you probably won’t use.

But we do recommend commit-

ting to memory and practicing these three skincare tips. Don’t let these steps intimidate you... they’re only fine-tuning what you already do.

Wash your face with a good cleanser.

The reality is, you guys are doing it all wrong or just not doing it at all. Men are at fault of loving super hot showers and using harsh

What Is A Toner?

Some of you may have read that last topic and responded with “Toner. What the hell is toner?”

Well Fellas, a toner could be the link that’s missing from your skincare regime. Of all the products out there (serums, masks, creams, lotions and potions) a toner is often the product guys leave out of their routine.

I think the main reason for this is that many guys don’t understand what a toner could be doing for their skin/complexion.

It looks like a light clear liquid, and toners can also come in the form of a spritz, or on toning ‘pads’. In whatever form, a toner is made to aid your skin in one or a handful of the following ways: • Remove excess oil that causes ‘shine’.

• Prevent pores from becoming clogged with dirt and grim that causes blackheads.

• Help to remove or control breakouts.

• Refresh your skin/complexion.

• Refine skin tone and reduce pores.

• Soothe after shaving and prevent irritation.

When Should I Use A Toner?

A toner is designed for use as part of a three step, Cleanse, Tone & Moisturise routine.

Cleanse your face with your chosen face wash, then dry your face with a towel and apply your toner (depending on the type of

ion?

Never leave home without applying sunscreen.

If you can find a moisturizer that contains SPF of 30 or higher, then you’re way ahead. Men who don’t use sunscreen increase the risk of getting sun damage, which may cause redness, irritation, extra blood vessels and skin cancer. You can stay forever young by applying sunscreen every single day.

At the moment Mary Kay has a Ultimate Grooming kit for you Fellas which is all you guys need for skin perfection. It includes MKMen Face Bar, MKMen Toner and MKMen Advanced Facial Hydrator.

Get a fresh start with the face bar that cleans and buffs skin as it begins the process to help reduce the visible signs of ageing.

Skin is left smooth and healthy-looking.

It cleans and buffs skin to begin the process to help reduce the visible signs of premature aging.

Used before shaving, the face bar prepares the beard for shaving. It can also be used for the body.

It’s suitable for sensitive skin, fragrance-free, oil-free and non comedogenic, so it won’t clog

W

e met up with Indi Deol the man behind DESIblitz, which is a dynamic online lifestyle magazine which focuses on high quality editorial content aimed at the British Asian market.

I wanted to get him out of his environment and let him forget about work for 5-10 minutes having a laugh and getting him to talk about fun and different things.

Unique Costume

Meet Indi Deol the man behind

Jewellery

Is it easier to love or be loved?

Easier to be loved What is true happiness?

Financial freedom mixed with family time

Handmade by

JewelsbyBangles Telephone: 07456040422 | Email: jewelsbybangles@gmail.com

www.jewelsbybangles.com

toner you use this may need a cotton ball or pad).

Once toner has dried, apply your moisturiser to complete your regime.

That’s not all a toner can be used for.

If you experience a lot of shine or grease throughout the day, then a toner can be used to control this problem, and help prevent breakouts.

A toner can help to calm irritation, reduce redness and close pores after your razor has done its best work.

N o w do you see why using a toner might benefit your skin/complex-

pores.

In this world, every man’s skin deserves to be indulged with MKMen Facial Toner.

Improves skin texture.

Minimises the appearance of pores.

L e a v e s skin feeling soothed, hydrated, balanced and calm.

Contains no alcohol which can leave the skin with a dry after-feel and/or create a burning sensation when applied after shaving.

This advanced formula immediately hydrates while protecting skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays — culprits of premature skin ageing.

Features a lightweight feel.

Leaves skin refreshed with no sticky or greasy afterfeel.

Hydrates for 10 hours.

Contains the patented MKMen Complex.

Includes beneficial antioxidants.

Is it important to be liked or respected?

Respected Who or what is your greatest love?

Family When did you last lie?

This morning, I lied that I had breakfast and I didn't What is your greatest fear?

Fear of not trying Animals or Babies?

Both What is your happy place?

Nandos Do you like to be complimented?

Only if the compliment is sincere What book do you recommend most to others?

Rich Dad Poor Dad Which lesson has been the hardest to learn?

To receive you must give first How important are people to you?

Without people we have nothing

To Advertise - Tel : 0121 231 3235 or email info@streetcredmagazine.com

The beauty of life’s natural source... Water

PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH

by Selina Besley

LAdies

W

by Selina Besley

ater has been a universal source since the beginning of time.

Quite often we take water for granted as it is so readily available, but do you really know the benefits of water?

Get the balance right

Water helps maintain the balance of body fluids. Your body is made up of around 60% of water.

Get burning

Water helps control calories as it keeps you fuller for longer.

Muscle power

When your body does not main-

tain the correct balance of fluids this can result in muscle fatigue.

Reverse the effects of muscle fatigue by increasing your water intake.

excreted in the urine. Help your kidneys do their job by ensuring your water intake is adequate.

As your skin contains water it keeps you looking fresh and keeps your skin in tip toe condition.

Hydration prevents constipation.

A more radiant you

Detoxify your kidneys

The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen which is a water soluble waste that passes through your kidneys to be

Bowel movements

Two steps to perfect lips this summer!

K

iss Cosmetics - the new name on lips who have been gradually releasing their products online. It was my first time trying their product and must say I was very impressed with Kisstic Magnetic Melon.

Let's talk about colour and boy do I love this colour real orange colour and amazing pigmentation, goes on evenly and easily. Kisstic Magnetic Melon is truly a lipstick for the wild.

Kiss Cosmetics say - No matter how hard you party, KISSTIC doesn't neglect your precious pout. Your lips can rely on this moisture enriched formula.

Tried and tested and this is so true and on point. I now wear this colour everyday mostly because of the com-

ments I get from other ladies.

In terms of longevity it lasts about 3-4 hours before fading. I love that it's so bold and bright. Orange is definitely the new colour.

KISS Team Tips: Coat with Locked Lips to seal in colour and increase longevity.

Apply KISStick with a lip brush for a defined result.

Feel safe to kiss with no transfer!

Locked Lips is a lip top coat to apply over the top of your KISStick. Lock up your KISStick shade and throw away the key!

Mens

Fluid and fibre will help your bowels to function properly.

Water yourself!

• Have a glass of water as soon as you wake up. This will flush out toxins and help to keep your digestive system functioning properly.

• Ideally we should consume around 2 litres of water per day.

Increase your intake of fresh veg and fruit as it contains high water content.

• If you dislike the taste of water why not add sugar free cordial or add a slice of lemon and a snippet of mint to add flavour.

Women’s top product of the month Mac Pro Longwear Concealer

This light weight fluid concealer provides medium to full coverage that helps to conceal under eye circles or discolorations.

The concealer comes with a plastic pump which aids easy application.

You don’t have to worry about applying another application during the day as the concealer lasts for up to 15 hours.

This is definitely every women’s answer to fresh natural looking skin.

Men’s top product of the month Bulldog Original Moisturiser

Bulldog Original Moisturiser takes men’s skincare regime to a whole new level.

This product is literally a touch of nature contained in one tube as it is packed with 8 essential oils of green algae, green tea, konjac mannan and vitamin E. Furthermore, Bulldog moisturiser does not contain parabens, sodium laureth sulphate, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances or ingredients from animal sources.