Street Cred Magazine - June 2019

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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2019 - Page 17

Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness

JUNE 2019

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ENTERTAINMENT

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THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT

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The Color Purple

Taking a first look at Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve’s co-production

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he first images of Birmingham Hippodrome and Leicester Curve’s production of Tony Award-winning Broadway production The Color Purple have been released, with T’Shan Williams set to take the role of Celie.

This brand new production comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from 16th – 20th July 2019.

T’Shan Williams joins

the cast as heroine Celie.

T’Shan’s previous credits include Heather Duke in Heathers The Musical (Theatre Royal, Haymarket & The Other Palace); Caroline, or Change (Hampstead Theatre) and Queen in The Life (Southwark Playhouse) for which she won the OffWest End award for Best Female in a Musical.

She joins the previously announced cast including Joanna Francis as Shug Avery, Ako Mitchell as

Mister, Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Mister’s son Harpo, Karen Mavundukure as his wife Sophia, Danielle Fiamanya as Celie’s sister Nettie and Delroy Brown as Pa. The cast is completed

by Geoff Aymer, Owen Chaponda, Perola Congo, KM Drew Boateng, Danielle Kassaraté, Anelisa Lamola, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy, Landi Oshinowo and Jo Servi.

Directed by Tinuke Craig, The Color Purple is filled with a soul-raising musical score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues.

The landmark musical, from Alice Walker's Pulitzer prize-winning novel, classic hit film and Tony Award-winning production on Broadway, follows heroine Celie as she discovers her own identity and power over the course of 40 years in 19th century southern America.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Renowned Author Meet Children at ‘Gang Culture’ Workshop

A Caribbean War Hero Remembered The life and times of Trinidadian war hero, judge and diplomat, Ulric Cross, will be portrayed in a new film – ‘HERO’ to be screened at the BFI Southbank, London on May 18.

The feature film, produced by former UK resident, FrancesAnne Solomon, has already received international acclaim at its screenings in Trinidad and Tobago and Canada.

The story told is of Cross, a trailblazer who made his mark on history as a Navigator of fighter planes in World War II. He became one of the RAF’s most decorated West Indian Airmen. He then went on to play a central role in the independence struggles of both Africa and the Caribbean.

“Ultimately, the story is about us.

About who we are as Caribbean people and as citizens of the world,” says filmmaker FrancesAnne Solomon.

“In that spirit, we’re thrilled to be bringing ‘HERO’ to the UK where much of the filming took place. It is particularly poignant that this year is the seventy-fifth anniversary of the first major generation of Caribbean arrivals in Britain -- on the Empire Windrush.”

Filmed across the UK, Trinidad, Ghana, and Canada, ‘HERO’ features a host of celebrated British actors including Joseph Marcell of Fresh Prince of Bel Air fame, playing the role of writer CLR James; Fraser James, of Terminator Salvation, playing the role of George Padmore and British-Nigerian actor Jimmy Akingbola, of BBC’s Holby, playing Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah.

Following its premier at the BFI, HERO will be taken across the UK in the lead up to the 75th Windrush celebrations in June.

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hildren from schools in West Bromwich took part in workshops about the dangers of young people being drawn into gang culture and crime.

The years-six and seven pupils spent the day learning about the dangers of being drawn into in gang culture and of carrying a knife.

The day-long event organized

by West Bromwich Central Learning Community, included pupils from ten Sandwell schools (primary and secondary) in West Bromwich, featured a talk from author Dan Freedman who is renowned for writing the Jamie Johnson football novels which have also been made into a popular CBBC drama.

He’s just released a new book; ‘Unstoppable,’ which deals with these issues. Each child was given their own signed copy of the book.

PC Hughie Treasure MBE, a young person’s officer from West Midlands Police, talked to the children about his experiences and conducted workshops.

Councillor Elaine Costigan cabinet member for public health and protection: “It was a delight to meet Dan and see how he

l Children from schools in West Bromwich with Cllr Costigan and author Dan Freedman inspired the children at this event.

The book tackles some difficult issues and will give the children important lessons for life that will hopefully help keep them safe and protect them from harm.”

Andrew Orgill, from West Bromwich Central Learning

Community and Headteacher at Hargate Primary School said: "This was a unique opportunity for the children we serve in Central West Bromwich. The day was all about raising awareness of an issue that is affecting our young people right now and

keeping them safe.

All of the children have received a copy of Unstoppable and will have a chance to enjoy it. It was a pleasure to have Dan Freedman at the event and a real privilege for our children."

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NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN Windrush Award 2019 Business of the Year Award 2019 Street Cred Next Generation Award 2019 Veteran Award 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2019 Leadership and Empowerment Award 2019 International Excellence Award 2019 Charity of the Year Award 2019 Championing Diversity Award 2019 People’s Choice Award 2019 Community Engagement Award 2019

If you want to nominate someone for an award at The Phoenix Newspaper 9th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, simply follow the instructions below.

1) Send an email to

nominations@thephoenixnewspaper.com

2) Include the name of your nominee and the Award that you are nominating them for.

3) A brief explanation as to why you are nominating them 4) A contact number and/or email address for your nominee

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UK’s Largest L

Shows The B I

t was in defiance that teacher Andrew Moffat stood sideby-side with Pride director Lawrence Barton at the head of this year’s Birmingham Pride festival which brought the city to a standstill as a kaleidoscope of colours filled the streets.

Moffat is the teacher who started the ‘No Outsiders’ programme of lessons covering LGBT relationships which has been at the centre of protests by some Muslim parents Linking arms at the head, they were joined of

the procession by Khakan Qureshi, founder of Birmingham South Asians LGBT and Saima Razzaq, from Supporting Education of Equality and Diversity in Schools (SEEDS).

“It’s important at this time that we show what Birmingham is like” Moffat, assistant head at Parkfield Community School in Saltley, said. “My message is about supporting diversity and community cohesion.

“That’s what we are all about in this city.”

On Twitter Saima posted: ‘I don’t want anyone to

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FAMILY AND FRIENDS TRIP

LGBTQ+ Event

Best Of Brum Experience

l Just one of the beautiful views from Coco Hills Forest

The Beauty Of Barbados B

arbados is the p i c t u re s q u e Caribbean island with glittering white sands, azure waters, lush scenery, exquisite cuisine, and of course rum.

The UK Disapora is one that shows immense loyalty to Barbados, playing an important role in not only visiting the island themselves, but recommending and encouraging neighbours, friends and colleagues to make the trip to paradise themselves.

From soft adventure activities, to water sports, and health and wellness offerings, not to mention the pristine white sand beaches on which to relax, Barbados has something to cater for everyones taste.

Barbados is the most eastern island of the Caribbean chain, and at only 21 miles in length and 14 miles wide, it is easy to get around.

Bridgetown, the captial city of Barbados is situated on the West coast, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, while the Atlantic Ocean laps at the East Coast.

The island is split into 11

parishes, and in 2020 the diaspora campaign “We Gatherin’” will call on Barbadians and those who love Barbados to come home during 2020 and reconnect with family and friends.

For each month of 2020, each parish will host its own welcome home celebrations for those living abroad, finishing with a nationwide celebration in December.

While on the Family and Friends Trip, we discovered the many sides of the island, the warmth of the people of Barbados, and the magic that keeps people coming back year after year.

Coco Hills

One of the first stops on our itinerary was the natural beauty of the Coco Hills Forest, in St Joseph.

Owned by Mahmood Patel, who also runs Mamu’s Café at the Ocean Spray Apartments, the forest is a labour of love for him, trying to create a more sustainable approach to the cycle of food used in the restaurant, and in Barbados as a whole.

Taking us on his journey

l The group at Coco Hills Forest, and below, Mahmood explaining the concept of development, tasting and smelling all number of herbs and spices, hugging trees and just being in and around nature, Mahmood guided the group through the forest.

Home to birds, fresh water springs, tree ferns, bamboo groves, monkeys, and a wide variety of fruit trees, spices and herbs, at over 1085ft above sea level with stunning panoramic views of the East Coast, Coco Hills Forest is one stop not to miss.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/2X9bnIr.

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BARBADOS FAMILY AND FRIENDS TRIP

Sir Garfield Sobers, Barbados’ Living National Hero

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arbados’ National Heroes are celebrated on April 28th every

year.

According to the Barbados’ Order of National Heroes Act, those people that have “given outstanding service to Barbados”, “contributed to the improvement of the economic and social conditions of Barbados”, and demonstrated “visionary and pioneering leadership, extraordinary achievement and the attainment of the highest excellence”.

Sir Garfield (Garry) Sobers is the only living National Hero, and the namesake of the Garry Sobers Golf Championship which also took place during the trip.

Discover The Origin Of Rum In Barbados

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l Chesterfield Browne, International Brand Ambassador for Mount Gay explains the process of creating rum

l Daniel Riley with Sir Garfield Sobers, and right, the Garry Sobers Golf Championship bag

Taking Your Stay In Paradise To

hen you think of rum, you think of Barbados, and who can blame you? Hailed as the birthplace of rum, Barbados has some of the finest distilleries in the world, including Mount Gay. At Mount Gay’s northern distillery, you can find out all about the origins of rum production in Barbados, and why you can only make Mount Gay rum right there in Barbados.

The group was introduced to

Chesterfield Browne, the International Brand Ambassador for Mount Gay rum, before being taken on a whirlwind tour of the distillery, from where the water is brought up from a well, unlike any water anywhere else on the island, wherethey work with molasses from Barbados itself, and also from other areas of the Caribbean to get a good mix of both the extra sweetness of one with the goodness of the other.

The passion for rum in every ounce of everything Chesterfield did that day was

& BEYOND

St Nicholas Abbey

It turns out that despite it’s name, St Nicholas Abbey was never a religious institution, instead it was a sugar cane plantation, and now the lone working rum plantation on the island.

Making their rum from sugar cane juice rather than the molasses, there are distinctive differences between the two

l Dover beach as seen from Infinity On The Beach

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nifinity On The Beach was the host hotel for the trip - a 66 room boutique hotel with stunning oceanfront views combined with authentic Caribbean design and architecture.

Situated on Dover Beach, arguably one of the most scenic beaches in Barbados, with a number of events on

most nights of the week, from a gaming night, to karaoke (which is taken very seriously!) and a Mix and Mingle Managers Cocktail Party, you’ll never be bored even if you stay on the property.

St Lawrence Gap has a wide array of clubs, bars and restaurants to suit most tastes, with happy hours and drinks

promotions to suit every pocket, and is definitely worth a walk down.

With helpful, polite and very friendly staff throughout the property and a range of food and drink options available for all meals, it’s a great option all round.

For more information visit www.infinityonthebeach.com.

Creig At The Crane

Tasty Tapas O

evident, and after being shown the fermentation and distillation, followed by the casks and an introduction to the Column and Pot distills, the real fun began.

After being shown to a laboratory, the group was able to create their own personal blend of rum from the available column and pot distills, thus Phoenix Rising was born.

Then whisked off to a tent in the middle of fields, the group was introduced to Trevon Stoute Executive chef at Pavao Barbados, and Seth Bromley, a Consultant at The Cliff Restaurant.

These two chefs served up a tantilising menu celebrating Mount Gay rum with rum cocktails specially paired and created for the occasion.

ur first taste of Barbadian cuisine was at Tapas, in Hastings on the South Coast.

Tapas offers a beautiful selection of freshly caught seafood, as well as a variety of staple meat and vegetarian options, with the l Shark Fritters above, and Shark Fritters and Fish Pot (a Fish Pot, below. sauteed mix of Seafood (Catch of the Day, Snapper, Mussels, Clams and Shrimp) in Tomato OliveCapers Sauce being standout.

Delightful ambience, gentle music coupled with courteous and attentive staff makes Tapas a star attraction.

For more information visit www.tapasbarbados.com

l Creig Greenidge preparing Souse for the group at the Crane Resort (below) and the main course (right)

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n what was Barbados’ first resort in 1887, The Crane, Culinary Ambassador Chef Creig Greenidge prepared a bespoke three-course dinner in a penthouse suite overlooking the resort.

Creig served up authentic Souse, pickled pork with sweet potato and a kick, Maraconi pie with chicken and mico greens and a sumptuous dessert.

It’s easy to see why Creig is a Culinary Ambassador for Barbados, especially

having just got back from an extensive tour of the UK promoting the island.

His charm, intelligence and skill wouldn’t be misplaced on his own TV show, but in front of a small audience he was captivating, and the food produced equally so.

The Crane Resort is perfect for couples, families, weddings and events, especially as it is set on one of the world’s finest beaches. It’s easy to see why people flock here every season.

For more information visit www.thecrane.com.

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BARBADOS FAMILY AND FRIENDS TRIP

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ffering a romantic experience at the water’s edge and using the freshest ingredients to create mouth watering dishes and cocktails, Champers is a wonderful experience, if a little loud when the sea is choppy.

Located in Christ Church, Champers is a bright and

vibrant restaurant with a welcome variety of food from starters right through to dessert.

The scallops were melt in the mouth with a beautiful sauce, while the rib of beef fell apart with very little pressure, heaven on a fork!

For more information visit www.champersrestaurant.com.

l Above: Pan seared Scallops. Below: Braised Rib of Beef

l Above: Mushroom Rock in Bathsheba. Below: Sugar Cane pressing at St Nicholas Abbey

processes, not least the absence of the black tarry molasses, and instead pressing the sugar cane to extract the juice directly.

The history of St Nicholas Abbey and the wonderful preservation work to keep the Great House intact has been impressive.

The Blu Isles Rum Experience which incorporated both of these sites is considered as the creme-de-la-creme of rum experiences and it’s easy to see why.

For more information visit www. bluisles.com, www.mountgayrum.com and www.stnicholasabbey.com.

An Island Safari

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l The group ready to set out on their Island Safari

l The stunning food created by Trevon Stoute and Seth Bromley

The Atlantis Historic Inn D ating back to the 1800’s, and set on the ruggedly beautiful East Coast not too far fromthe seaside village of Bathsheba is The Atlantis Historic Inn. Renowned all over the island for its sumptuous Bajan fare, even going as far as to describe it as “heavenly, delicious and exquisite”, Atlantis is a

hankfully, despite the odd shower that hit Barbados during the trip, it didn’t make anywhere too muddy, else this could have been a messy affair!

Speeding around Barbados, through the open roads and off the beaten track, we were ably directed by our tour guide to a number of interesting areas of the island.

Hackletons Cliff was a particular highlight,, in the parish of St.Joseph, it rises almost perpendicularly within a few miles of the coastline and reaches a height of one thousand feet above sea-level.

According to legend, the cliff is

named after a man who committed suicide by riding his horse off the cliff!

There were some beautiful garden arrangements here, as well as a special Barbados Rock which had some lovely words to live by written on it.

A rather bumpy trip through the forest, and some rather spectacular views from a lighthouse and old abandoned mansion also captivated the imagination.

The Roundhouse

During the tour the group stopped at The Roundhouse. Built in the early 1800’s, the property offers

popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

While the buffet lunch was not on on the day that we visited, the flying fish three ways (blackened, grilled and fried) with garlic wedges and coleslaw was a big hit with many of the contingent.

For more information visit atlantishotelbarbados.com.

commanding views of the entire Atlantic coast, a unique scenic environment and an undisturbed stretch of beach studded with natural tidal pools, located just a one-minute walk down the sand to “Soup Bowl”, one of the world’s premier surf spots.

With a range of authentic Barbadian food and cocktails to be tried, The Roundhouse served up a delightful seafood platter and some decadent rum and raisin ice cream which are heartily recommended.

For more information visit www.islandsafari.bb and www.roundhousebarbados.com.

l Some of the sights of Barbados

l Above: Sharing Platter. Below: Flying Fish 3 Ways (blackened, grilled and fried)

l Delicious food at the Roundhouse, and a Seafood Platter below

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BARBADOS FAMILY AND FRIENDS TRIP

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Dinner With A Sunset View

t’s time to be ‘Seaduced’

by Barbados. All aboard the Seaduced I, a luxurious catamaran.

Treated to refreshing cocktails, prosecco and more, while taking in the glorious sunshine and stunning shoreline and horizon on either side, you’re transported down the coast to a beautiful quiet bay.

Once there, you’re invited to swim with sea turtles, graceful and magnificent creatures, swimming around you with some speed, nudging you out of the way and accompanied by smaller fish. An absolutely extraordinary experience.

Back onboard and you’re greeted l with a mouth-watering dinner of fresh fish, chicken, and the most declicious broccoli coleslaw you’ve ever tasted in your life, before enjoying an indulgent dessert.

The crew make this experience, and we were delighted to be able to enjoy the beautiful Barbados sunset, and the experience of a lifetime in style and safety with these wonderful people.

For more information visit www.seaducedbarbados.com.

Above: Seaduced I. Below: The amazing crew on our trip.

UK’s Largest L

l Experience stunning sunsets onboard a stylish Catamaran

Shows The B

l Delicious food and tantalising drinks served to your liking onboard

l Scuba gear can be arranged to get up close with local wildlife

Final Thoughts

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Bougainvillea Barbados W ith signature South Coast ocean views, tantalising cuisine and celebrating international dishes alongside local favourites, the Calabash Cafe at Bougainvillea Barbados is a wonder to behold.

As you come through from the hotel lobby, you’re greeted with a

wonderful display of flowers and trees, full encapsulating every free space in the resort.

Offering a range of suites, but all with a kitchen, microwave and fridge, not to mention funished balconies or terraces, this is a location for those who really want to relax in style, but still keep the

comfort and features of home.

An extensive and flavourful breakfast menu including a dedicated egg station delivering your eggs precisely how you want them every day awaits those who stay.

For more information visit www.bougainvillearesort.com.

he Diaspora, for decades, has demonstrated loyalty and patriotism by sending friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and members of their favourite clubs and associations to visit the island.

These Barbadians and their generations are key ambassadors for Barbados and have served as an extended arm of our sales force.

The BFF Club was developed to provide a more structured approach to this activity, by providing the tools to support these efforts.

You can earn rewards and benefits as a member of the BFF Club. Points are earned for every person sent to Barbados, on the condition that the information is validated.

Only legal citizens or residents or special visa entry holders from the following countries are currently eligible to participate in this program

- Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany and Panama.

Bonus points are awarded when your visitors stay in paid accommodation, such as a hotel, apartment or villa.

You can generate business by encouraging individuals, or groups of friends, family, colleagues or associates to Visit Barbados.

There are numerous events in the sports and cultural calendar throughout the year providing an abundance of reasons to travel.

You can also encourage groups for family reunions, weddings, golf, or simply to hang out. Maybe it’s the affinity group with whom you play cards, or dominoes, or darts or cricket.

For more information on the Barbados Family and Friends Club, please check out the website by going to www. barbadosfamilyandfriends. com.

hile on the island for the Family and Friends tour we were blessed with great weather, a wonderful group of people who became fast friends in the short time we were togteher, and had some amazing experiences.

This is obviously just a small taste of everything that Barbados has to offer, and I don’t think even if you were to stay for a few months let alone a few weeks that you would be able to take in even half of what there is on the island!

Special thanks must go to our host, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc and epecially their Business Development Officer Kyle Gittens, who looked after us with the utmost care and attention, and even managed to arrange a personal meeting with National Hero Sir Garry Sobers.

His hard work and dedication paid off, with an absolutely brilliant trip from start to finish.

Thanks also to airline partner Virgin Atlantic for a smooth and comfortable flight both there and back.

To Carol, Marylyne and John, June, Debbie and Leah, thank you for makingthe trip a very special one.

Barbados has taken a piece of my heart, and I’ll almost definitely have to head back there in the not to distant future.

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LGBTQ+ Event

Best Of Brum grow up in shame. I don’t want anyone to be forced to choose between their community, their faith or their family to simply be themselves.’

Now in its 22nd year, this looked, by many people, to be the biggest Birmingham Pride yet. In some circles it was arguably the largest festival of its kind in Europe.

As the four held hands together to set off at midday, lorries, floats, dancing troupes et el began their annual ‘pilgrimage’ to Birmingham’s gay village marching loud as

they mingled with curious shoppers and onlookers alike.

It was nearly 3.00pm when the last float arrived at the finish in the Gay Village – and that was just Day 1.

The two-day festival would see the likes of charttoppers Kate Nash, MYA, NAO, The Human League and Marc Almon grace the grand stage sets in the village to highlight for the LGBT community – and everyone else.

For Andrew Moffat; “there was no-one better to lead the parade”, Pride organisers said.

ENTERTAINMENT

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B-SIDE Breakin' A in Bullring & Grand Central

s part of this year’s B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival Birmingham Hippodrome and festival partner Break Mission brought a taster of the yearly festival to the city’s major shopping destination.

B-SIDE Breakin’ Bullring & Grand Central featured a host of DJs, dance and rap battles and live performances throughout the day, entertaining thousands of visitors.

The festival returned with Fun DMC, a Hip-Hop inspired block party for kids and parents where they had the chance to create and showcase their own moves on the dance floor, practice graffiti or try on ‘Super-fly’ Hip-Hop fancy dresses.

The takeover days were part of a newly formed partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome and Bullring & Grand Central, which saw the theatre bringing new exciting performances and events to the centre throughout the year.

B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival is a free annual celebration of HipHop culture featuring homegrown talent and international artists, attracting a worldwide audience of all ages.

This year’s festival included live Graffiti on the streets that surround the theatre, dance workshops for all ages and of all abilities and for the Marvel Cinematic Universe fans out there, a Hip-Hop and the Infinity Gauntlet talk and a mini comic convention.

Opened during May Bank

Holiday Weekend with a Hit the Odeand B-SIDE and R.A.P Party special, the festival’s highlights included a poetry and music night which showcased some amazing spoken word artists and Hip-Hop DJs. Danielle Bozward, Marketing Manager at Bullring & Grand Central, commented: “We were excited to be bringing back B-Side to the centre following the success of last year’s event.

It really was a fun-packed Bank Holiday weekend with something for everybody.”

Graham Callister, Director of Community Engagement and Festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome, commented:

“B-SIDE is fast becoming the UK’s number one Hip-Hop festival for international and national artists alongside the amazing talents we have in the city.

“This year we extended the festival even further to include Bullring & Grand Central and Digbeth with more events for the family with a chance to see something different at Birmingham Hippodrome and our other locations.”

B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival is a Birmingham Hippodrome Project supported by Arts Council England, Southside BID, Bullring & Grand Central and The Arcadian.

‘Lioness Of Reggae’ Award winning singer, musician, philanthropist and reggae icon Rita Marley, OD has released a career retrospective of her most wellknown material.

The Best of Rita Marley ‘Lioness of Reggae’ has been released exclusively on limited edition vinyl.

Ziggy Marley says: “I felt this was a project that needed to be done, her musical legacy, message and vibe is unique to her and an important part of reggae’s history. This is a way for us to highlight and share her beautiful art”.

Alpharita Anderson displayed a deep love of music since childhood, singing to her family while working. This passion would ultimately lead her to form The Soulettes, which led to the eventual meeting of local Trench Town musicians Robert Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston – known as the Wailers.

Soon after this fateful meeting, the talented young Rita became an integral part of the Wailers musical development, as well as a constant presence and influence in her husband, Bob Marley’s, life and legacy; including as a member of the I-Threes alongside Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt.

Simultaneously, Mrs. Marley forged an extraordinary career as a solo artist, known for upholding the artistic and cultural standards of reggae. Her music reflects the versatility and diversity of reggae through the smooth blends of Gospel, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz and Soca.

Today, no matter where in the world, the name Marley is synonymous with reggae music and the culture of Jamaica.

Rita Marley’s musical career has produced incredible albums including 'Who Feels It Knows The Best Of Rita Marley ' Lioness Of Reggae' is out now.

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King of Metal Ozzy announces rescheduled Birmingham Ella Mai to ‘Sweeten’ date Ariana Grande Tour

G ramm y - w i nn i ng songstress Ella Mai will be extending her wildly successful, sold-out The Debut Tour.

The tour is in support of Ella’s self-titled album, which was executive produced by 10 Summers’ label head, Mustard.

The album features Ella’s latest single, “Shot Clock” as well as the record-breaking hits, “Boo’d Up” and “Trip.”

Chart-topping success aside, Ella Mai has also had an amazing reception on the awards circuit. In 2018, she took home the Soul Train Awards for

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he Symphony Hall paid host to the sensational George Michael tribute act and lookalike Rob Lamberti who produced an electrifying and authentic live show featuring original members of George’s own globetrotting live band, alongside the National Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

The George Michael Band consisted of touring musicians Carlos Hercules, Mike Brown, Lincoln Jean-Marie, Lea Mullen, David Baptiste the saxophonist who performed in Wham and Colin Graham. They performed with George from the release of his debut solo album Faith, to his various sold-out world tours.

The evening was a musical journey back into the 80’s and 90’s for Sandra and I starting with tunes from George Michael’s earlier classic Albums Faith, Older and Listen Without Prejudice vol1, which Rob Lamberti performed with near perfect accuracy. I must say, Rob got the near capacity Symphony Hall audience dancing out of their seats and in the aisles waving their arms to tracks like Fast love and Club Tropicana.

Best New Female and Song of the Year (Boo'd Up) and, last month, “Boo’d Up” yielded her Best R&B Song at the 61st GRAMMY Awards.

Ella also took home iHeart Radio awards for R&B Song Of The Year and R&B Artist of the Year, as well as Outstanding New Artist, Outstanding Song and the prestigious Outstanding Album at the NAACP Awards.

The UK native who took to the stage at Coachella will be supporting Ariana Grande on the European leg of her Sweetener tour which kicks off in London on August 17 at the O2 Arena.

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ock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy®winning singer and songwriter Ozzy Osbourne has just announced rescheduled shows in the UK and Europe on his ‘No More Tours 2’ tour, with special guest Judas Priest.

Ozzy will now play at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena on 14 February 2020.

Says Ozzy: “I’m really looking forward to getting

back to Europe for these shows. Thank you to all the fans for sticking with me and waiting for the new dates to be announced. I can’t wait to see you all next year.”

Tickets bought for the original date, 9th February 2019, remain valid for the new rescheduled date.

Tickets are on sale via www.theticketfactory. com

George: A Celebration

Rob Lamberti delivers the every familiar vocal prowess of George Michael and the soulful

intimacy he brings to George’s ballads whilst also capturing the showman onstage presence is commendable. Which anyone who is a George fan would instantly recognise.

The evenings performance encored with Don't let the sun go down on me, a duet with vocal artist Shaun Williams to a roaring applause of adulation.

Rob Lamberti is a familiar face, so to speak, having forged a very successful singing career impersonating the pop star George Michael and in the process becoming something of a star himself.

ENTERTAINMENT

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Pop Queens of Girl Groups

Mandip’s Bananarama Studio Albums Ratings: Deep Sea Skyving (1983) – 4* Bananarama (1984) – 4 1/2* True Confessions (1986) – 5* Wow (1987) – 4 1/2* Pop Life (1991) – 5* Please Yourself (1993)- 3* Ultra Violet (1995) – 4* Exotica (2001) – 3 1/2* Drama (2005) – 5* Viva (2009) – 5* In Stereo (2019) – 5*

‘Bananarama’ return with a new album and a set of gigs to show today’s pop kids how its done.

By Mandip Taunque

T

he queens of girl groups, 80s icons Bananarama brought humour, music and attitude to superfans during their 5-day intimate album launch tour around the UK. The group, comprising of childhood friends Sara Dallin and

Keren Woodward showed they still had it in the fourth decade of their career as they answered fan questions in a 45 minute Q & A and sang songs from their 11th studio Album ‘In Stereo’ which was released in April.

You could have been mistaken in thinking you were attending a comedy show as these pioneers

of pop answered every single question posed by fans and had them in stitches.

A recurring theme was why it took 10 years to release a new album. “It was the right time” explains Sara in her Q & A response to why wait until now.

Although the group had a long gap between albums they had been

Gig Listings

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

June 07 The Mighty Wah! Presents The Pete Wylie Show 11 The Last Internationale 12 Candlebox 14 Catapult Club ft. The Pines 15 CityLightz 21 The Mavericks 21 Catapult Club ft. Nova Bloom 23 Stray Cats 29 Gojira 30 Jacquees

O2 INSTITUTE

June 01 Brass Against 01 Megan McKenna 07 Martha Reeves & The Vandellas 08 Femi Kuti 10 Wallows 12 Candlebox 13 Bulsara and His Queenies 13 Taking Back Sunday - 20th Anniversary Tour 16 Stereolab 18 The LaFontaines 18 Cage The Elephant 28 The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

RESORTS WORLD ARENA

June 15 Live Your Legacy International Championships 21-23 Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Musical - A Brand New Show for 2019 28 Carrie Underwood 30 Lynyrd Skynyrd

ARENA BIRMINGHAM

May 31-June 02 ESL One Birmingham DOTA 2 08-09 Trampoline & Tumbling Regional Team Finals & NDP Semi-Final 2019 14 David Blaine 15 Backstreet Boys 21-23 Westlife 28 Eagles 29 Il Divo Timeless: Greastest Hits Live

NEC

June 01-02 Collectormania 26 Film & Comic Con Birmingham 01-02 UK Games Expo 04-06 Automechanika Birmingham 04-05 Commercial Kitchen 2019 04-06 Subcon, Advanced Manufacturing, The Engineer Expo 06-07 CEF Live 2019 07-08 The Genealogy Show 13-16 BBC Gardeners’ World Live 13-16 BBC Good Food Show Summer 18-20 Multimodal 2019 19 NACFB Commercial Finance Expo 21-22 The Autism Show 24-25 UCAS Birmingham higher education exhibition 28-29 The Big Event, Birmingham

28-30 The Creative Craft Show Summer 29-30 The Dating Show Live

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

June 01 The Salvation Army: Symhpony Sounds (SH) 01 Leo Sayer (TH) 02 CBSO: Travels through Time (SH) 02 Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets (TH) 03 Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter (TH) 04 Aurora Orchestra – Music of the Spheres (TH) 06 CBSO: A Spring Symphony (SH) 07 CBSO: Songs from the 60s (SH) 08 Sophie Ellis-Bextor (SH) 09 Community Spirit (SH) 09 The Oscarettes 2019 (TH) 11 Opera North – Aida (SH) 12 Quadrophenia (TH) 13 CBSO: Mirga conducts Mahler’s Second (SH) 14 Birmimgham’s Big Noise - Celebrating 70 years of Midland Mencap (TH) 14 Bernadette Peters (SH) 15 Chineke! Orchestra – Dvořák, Goodyear and Grieg (SH) 15 Woman to Woman Judie Tzuke, Beverley Craven & Julia Fordham

touring extensively as a duo before inviting fellow founding member Siobhan Fahey (who left in 1988 and formed Shakespears Sister) for a special reunion tour back in 2017 and 2018 where they played 23 UK dates, 4 US dates and a handful of summer shows. The latest album launch tour served as the perfect sequel to the original line up tour. Pav Kaur, who was front row at the Birmingham show said “growing up in the 1980s, Bananarama were empowering to young girls with their ‘be what you want and wear dungarees if you want to’ attitude.” Pav added “Empowerment, inspirational, loyal and caring – Bananarama has it all.” In terms of legacy, Bananarama made history back in 1988 with an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful female group worldwide with the most charting singles – a record they still hold on to after 30 years. Bananarama have sold over 30 million records.

From the end of May to midAugust Bananarama will be playing a series of gigs in the UK,

Japan and Switzerland. One of the UK gigs includes a set at the legendary Glastonbury festival in June (full details of dates can be found on their official website

(TH) 16 CBSO: Mirga conducts Mahler’s Second (SH) 16 Gordon Campbell Big Band ft. special guest vocalist Joe Stilgoe (TH) 17 Lunchtime Organ Concert (SH) 17 UCB Further Education Celebration Event (TH) 17 Conversations with Nick Cave (SH) 19 CBSO: Stephen Hough plays Beethoven (SH) 20 Bring Your Own Baby Comedy (SH) 20 CBSO: Stephen Hough plays Beethoven (SH) 20 Tan France (TH) 21 The Planets - An HD Odyssey with NASA footage (SH)

22 Space Spectacular (SH) 22 An Evening with Helen Sharman CMG OBE, the first British Astronaut (TH) 23-24 James Acaster - Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 (TH) 24 Gladys Knight (SH) 25 Symphony Hall Tour (SH) 25 Amatis Trio – Haydn and Brahms (TH) 26 Town Hall Tour (TH) 26 CBSO: The Damnation of Faust (SH) 26 Reginald D Hunter: Facing the Beast (TH) 27 Alice Sara Ott – Nightfall (SH) 28 Generation Ladywood Showcase (SH) 28 Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John (SH)

www.bananarama.co.uk).

This should tide fans over until news of album number 12 comes out – Let’s hope it isn’t another 10 years.

Welcome back Bananarama.

29 2019 Birmingham International Piano Competition – The Final (TH) 29 Gatecrasher Classical (SH) 30 WNO Family Concert (TH) 30 John Barrowman - Fabulous (SH)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

June 07 Live, Loud & Local: Carbon Copy 14 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 15 Who Are You UK - A Tribute To The Who 22 The Guns N’Roses Experience, Wrong Jovi 28 Actors & Empathy Test

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2019 - Page 31

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It’s Martin, Aston Martin The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is set to become the newest James Bond inspired car, thanks to the most recent collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 50 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service DBS Superleggera special edition cars will be sold.

Painted Olive Green to match the original 1969 Aston Martin DBS driven by James Bond in the movie, the new models will take the menacing road presence of the DBS Superleggera to a new level of brutish elegance.

Aston Martin Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: “Creating a James Bond special edition is always an exciting challenge as we work to create a car that embodies the legend of James Bond, and the original movie car. The DBS Superleggera is a muscular car that commands attention, but the Olive Green gives it a subtlety that belies the beast beneath.”

MOTORS

Return of the Wraith

R

olls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled its latest Collection Car, Wraith Eagle VIII, on the shores of Lake Como at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Created by the Bespoke Collective at the House of RollsRoyce, a Collection of just 50 Wraith Eagle VIII motor cars will tell the epic tale of one of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century.

Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown braved uncharted skies to make the first non-stop transatlantic flight in June, 1919. Contemporaries of Sir Henry Royce, Alcock and Brown flew non-stop from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland in a modified First World War Vickers Vimy bomber aircraft.

The bi-plane was powered by twin 20.3 litre, 350 bhp, RollsRoyce Eagle VIII engines. It is from this remarkable engine that this Collection takes its name.

Rolls-Royce marks the 100

year anniversary of this feat with a highly contemporary Collection that speaks to today’s adventurers, whilst honouring those who changed the course of history.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Wraith Eagle VIII is at once an object of desire; an homage to heroes and a protagonist to today’s visionaries.

“This Rolls-Royce Collection demonstrates the extraordinary skill of our Bespoke Collective at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex.

Bespoke remains the jewel in the crown of the marque, creating luxury items that defy the trend of mass luxury manufacturers using ‘tick-box’ options to answer customer demand.”

The exterior of the Wraith Eagle VIII Collection Car is

evocative of Alcock and Brown’s compelling night time adventure.

Swathed in Gunmetal with a Selby Grey upper two-tone, the colours are separated by a brass feature line, a hint at the detailing that lies within.

The black grille vanes draw immediate reference to the RollsRoyce Eagle VIII engine cowling on the Vickers Vimy aircraft, the wheels are part polished with a translucent shadow finish.

Continental Receive Environmental & Sustainable Award Continental Tyre Group Ltd has been named the inaugural winners of the Tyre Industry Environmental & Sustainable Solution Award at the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights’ White Tie Banquet.

Competition within the tyre industry was strong, with an independent judging panel looking for entries to show evidence of materially reducing the environmental impact of tyres and production over its entire lifespan, whilst promoting sustainability and bringing environmental benefits to both business and wider society.

Although all of the entries were of a very high standard, Continental’s submission was deemed the clear forerunner.

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Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

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Calendar Girls

S

l The cast of Calendar Girls The Musical with WI leaders Lynne Stubbings, Patience Broad and Sue White

torming onto centre stage at Birmingham’s Hippodrome at the end of May was a cast of stars taking on the unenviable roles of the Womens Institute members who got their kit off for a charity calender.

Calendar Girls The Musical is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies, who decide to appear nude for a Women’s

Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee for their local hospital, in memory of one of their husbands, and have to date raised almost £5million for Bloodwise.

This stage version has been put together by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow, and on the opening night, three Midlands leaders of the WI (or Women’s Institute) headed backstage to meet the cast.

Lynne Stubbings (NFWI Chair,

of Wishaw WI, Warwickshire), Patience Broad (NFWI Trainer and Trustee, Worcestershire of Wells & Wyche WI, Worcestershire) and Sue White (Vice Chairman of Worcestershire and WI Adviser, Ripple & Earls Croome WI, Worcestershire) met with cast members including Lesley Joseph and Lisa Maxwell for photos and the chance to share real life stories from the WI.

This musical comedy shows life in their Yorkshire village, how it happened, the effect on husbands, sons and daughters, and how a group of ordinary ladies achieved something extraordinary.

Leading the cast is beloved star of stage and screen, Lesley Joseph, joined by Sarah Jane Buckley (Blood Brothers and Hollyoaks) as Annie, Sue Devaney (Dinnerladies, Casualty,

Coronation Street, Mamma Mia!) as Cora, Julia Hills (Broadchurch, The Archers) as Ruth, Judy Holt (Cold Feet, Scott & Bailey) as Marie and Lisa Maxwell (Loose Women, Hollyoaks, The Bill) as Celia and Rebecca Storm (Evita, Les Miserables, Chess) as Chris.

Calendar Girls is a musical that will have you splitting your sides with laughter one minute, and crying your eyes out the next, as the all star cast strut their stuff, each bringing something special and meaningful to proceedings.

On a very simple and

basic stage setup, t h e rolling Yorkshire hills in the background, the entire village was shown through clever use of stage props.

Far from being a “girls only” musical, there was a very diverse crowd on opening night, including some too young to even know what the WI is, and many old enough to know how true to life the representation was.

Calendar Girls is a deserving watch, and is playing at Birmingham Hippodrome until the 8th June, so catch it before it moves on!

Jonas Brothers Announce First European Headline Tour In Nearly A Decade

After building overwhelming anticipation, GRAMMY nominated multiplatinum powerhouse trio–Jonas Brothers— announce the details for their 2020 15-city Happiness Begins Touracross Europe.

The announcement comes

off the excitement of blowing out their first round of North America dates and launching the biggest Jonas Brothers tour ever, totaling an astounding 67 shows across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Tickets go on general sale on Thursday 6 June 2019 at 10am

BST. Produced by Live Nation, the European leg of the Happiness Begins Tour will kick off on 29thJanuary in Birmingham and will make stops in Germany, Spain, Italy and more before wrapping on 22nd February in Paris.