Panalists: Mr Albert Jack (local author), Mr Andrew Hodges (Guildford BC), Mr Ian Edwards (Academy of Contemporary Music), Mr Chris Bunting (Culture Services Guildford BC), Mr David Rose (Surrey Advertiser), Mr Tony Scott (Guilfest Promoter), Mr Michelle Harper (Local nightclub owner)
Questioner: Mr Peter Gordon (Head of Programming & Breakfast show host Eagle Radio)
This was a very interesting discussion about the local live music venues available in the Guildford area. Topics included, how to attract big name bands to play, smaller venues for new bands, the refurbishment / redevelopment of the Guildford Civic Hall (circa 1961) that has been closed for 2 years, gig pricing and venue hiring. Invited speakers included Anne Milton MP (Guildford), Mr Greg Melly (University of Surrey), Sue Doughty (Former MP for Guildford) and Mr David Williams (Chief Executive of Guildford BC). The main conclusion of this first session that there was definitely a problem with the provision of live music in Guildford, or maybe all of Surrey. More small venues should be made available for new local bands to play cheaply, and the options for the GCH should be re-examined. It was also agreed to meet again in the Autumn in greater numbers to find out what has changed.
Please let me know your views by adding a comment or send me an e-mail to start another News topic.
Guildford Live Music Forum 25th October 2006
This 2nd meeting of the forum was in the Main Hall at Guildford College (Stoke Park Campus) on Wednesday 25th October 2006 from 7:30pm. It was an opportunity to hear about the progress made since the last meeting in April, and for those who missed the first one to express their views on the future of live music in Guildford. seating Capacity was 216 though it was only half full.
On the Panel: were Albert Jack (local Author), Chris Bunting (head of Culture Services at Guildford Borough Council), Andrew Hodges (Guildford Borough Council), Tony Scott (Guilfest and local band promoter), and Michel Harper (local nightclub owner).
Questioner: Peter Gordon (Head of Programming & Breakfast show host Eagle Radio)
The discussion started with an update on some of the new initiatives started since the last meeting. These included a funding donation of £4,000 from the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) for the PA system at the Boileroom, the spirit group, music lessions on fridays at harpers. This was followed by a short presentation by Jim on the guildford civic hall refurbishment / rebuild. Estimates as to the cost had been agreed at £18m, with a completion date of mid 2009. He was asked by Tont Scott "why a simple health and safety upgrade of less than £5m wasn't being considered, to reopen in less than a year". Jim replied that this option was not viable, and Andrew hodges stated that there were other considerations such as sound proofing and disabled access that had ruled this out. 100 companies had applied to carry out the work, and this had been shortlisted down to 5. A final decision will be made on 22nd Nov 2006. This issue is a hotbed of controversy and will run and run. Other matters discussed included Music for the under 18s, new music on offer at the Boileroom and Guildford University, and free promotion for gigs. Among the invited guests were Guildford's Mayor (Cllr Angela Gunning), Anne Milton MP, and David Williams (Chief Executive of Guildford Borough Council).
Although the forum was open to the general public, there were very few if any ordinary people with no link to the music industry or decision making authority.
Find Guildford Collage on Google maps
Info from the first meeting 26th April 2006
Thanks to Peter Gordon from Eagle Radio for organising this event.
On the Panel: were Albert Jack (local Author), Chris Bunting (head of Culture Services at Guildford Borough Council), Andrew Hodges (Guildford Borough Council), Tony Scott (Guilfest and local band promoter), and Michel Harper (local nightclub owner).
Questioner: Peter Gordon (Head of Programming & Breakfast show host Eagle Radio)
The discussion started with an update on some of the new initiatives started since the last meeting. These included a funding donation of £4,000 from the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) for the PA system at the Boileroom, the spirit group, music lessions on fridays at harpers. This was followed by a short presentation by Jim on the guildford civic hall refurbishment / rebuild. Estimates as to the cost had been agreed at £18m, with a completion date of mid 2009. He was asked by Tont Scott "why a simple health and safety upgrade of less than £5m wasn't being considered, to reopen in less than a year". Jim replied that this option was not viable, and Andrew hodges stated that there were other considerations such as sound proofing and disabled access that had ruled this out. 100 companies had applied to carry out the work, and this had been shortlisted down to 5. A final decision will be made on 22nd Nov 2006. This issue is a hotbed of controversy and will run and run. Other matters discussed included Music for the under 18s, new music on offer at the Boileroom and Guildford University, and free promotion for gigs. Among the invited guests were Guildford's Mayor (Cllr Angela Gunning), Anne Milton MP, and David Williams (Chief Executive of Guildford Borough Council).
Although the forum was open to the general public, there were very few if any ordinary people with no link to the music industry or decision making authority.
Find Guildford Collage on Google maps
Info from the first meeting 26th April 2006
Thanks to Peter Gordon from Eagle Radio for organising this event.
GuilFest DVD
At last someone (the guys at Flaming Pear) have found the time to put together a 94min long DVD documentary tracking all the highs and lows of the 2006 GuilFest. With the appropriate title "GuilFest - Grass Roots", it features performances by (in alphabetical order) Blimus, Donovan, Kovak, Lightning Seeds, Morning Runner, Nizlopi, Gary Numan, Stereo MCs, The Stranglers, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and The Wonderstuff. It is directed by Colin Arnold, and includes special features such as Making of... and programme archive and production stills.
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More Info: Grass Roots DVD : Watch Trailer : Buy
Is London is the most cosmopolitan city in the world?
Two researchers started a project on United Nations Day (Oct 24th) last year to find a person from each of the 192 countries of the world, who lives and works in London. The project is titled "World in One City" and so far Owen Powell and Alex Horne have contacted representatives from 84. You can read about the project and the interviews they have conducted on their website.
http://www.worldinonecity.blogspot.com
They don't want to hear from anyone who works at an embassy or tourists. Although they list the countries already found, it would be very helpful if they listed the ones they are still looking for, in order of population, and hence likelyhood of finding someone.
The top 20 from what I think are missing (in Alphabetical order) :
Chile : Cuba : Cambodia : Egypt : Fiji : Finland : Hungary : Kenya : Luxembourg : Saudi Arabia : Serbia : Sierra Leone : Slovakia : Slovenia : Switzerland : Taiwan : Uganda : Ukraine : United Arab Emirates : Vietnam
Please e-mail them if you're from one of the countries missing : worldinonecity@hotmail.com
http://www.worldinonecity.blogspot.com
They don't want to hear from anyone who works at an embassy or tourists. Although they list the countries already found, it would be very helpful if they listed the ones they are still looking for, in order of population, and hence likelyhood of finding someone.
The top 20 from what I think are missing (in Alphabetical order) :
Chile : Cuba : Cambodia : Egypt : Fiji : Finland : Hungary : Kenya : Luxembourg : Saudi Arabia : Serbia : Sierra Leone : Slovakia : Slovenia : Switzerland : Taiwan : Uganda : Ukraine : United Arab Emirates : Vietnam
Please e-mail them if you're from one of the countries missing : worldinonecity@hotmail.com
Lotus 79 are now the Sixty Minute Men
Just to let you know that Lotus 79 have changed their name to the Sixty Minute Men, perhaps a reference to their staying power. All I remember is that the last time I saw them live the lead singer insisted on finishing the set, even though his finger was bleeding.
Naked Violin CD - Tasmin Little - Free Dowload
Ever wanted to hear some great classical violin, but didn't know where to start, or waste money on a disc you don't like, or can't afford the exorbitant concert ticket prices these days. Then help is at hand. Tasmin Little has released her new album "The Naked Violin" as a totally free download. You can burn it to CD, for personal use, and even print out a fancy cover. Please note, its only the Violin thats naked, not the violinist.
More info: http://www.tasminlittle.org.uk/free_cd/index.html
INDEX - O
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One Night Stand - Acoustic : One year old and growing up fast : Open Auditiion - Live and Unsigned : Open Mic Nights - New and Old : Original Vibe is now first Wednesday
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To suggest an event to be added to this section please e-mail the details to News
1 Click 2 Fame - Vote now
The 1Click2Fame.com website has been running a competion to find the best new musicians. The prize is a wopping £100,000. From previous rounds they have selected 100 finalists and now is time for the final push. They are all very talented, but one local band, The Source, are in there too and need you the vote for their song "Fades In Fades Out". Follow the link below, you can vote as many times as you like, but only once a day, before 27th March (this Friday).
http://www.1click2fame.com/performances/66
One Night Stand - Acoustic
If you ever feel the urge to share your musical talent in front of a friendly audience of like-minded people, come along to a Workshop event (two song limit). This series also includes Showcase nights, where great bands have only 15-20 minutes to impress. These events take place every 8 weeks or so and will soon be complimented by the Best of One Night Stand - Acoustic. They have a good quality PA, so you'll only need to bring your instruments. Helping to organise the events is Mark, the lead singer with Blood Red Sky. Check out the Events section for future dates.
Venue: Jagz, Station Hill, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 9EG
More info: One Night Stand - Acoustic or Jagz, Ascot
Admission: by Ticket only £3 (doors 7:30pm, start 8:15pm, end 11pm)
Venue: Jagz, Station Hill, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 9EG
More info: One Night Stand - Acoustic or Jagz, Ascot
Admission: by Ticket only £3 (doors 7:30pm, start 8:15pm, end 11pm)
One year old and growing up fast
This site is now a year old, and I'd like to thank all the bands and some of the publicans who have helped in making it one of the best places on the web to find out whats on where and when in the South-East of England. I'm still hoping for a greater response from all of you music fans out there in suggesting new bands and venues, and sharing your opinions of the best local free live music.
Open Audition - Live & Unsigned 15th Dec 2007
Each act will have about 2 mins, to demonstrate their talent, not long, but thats all part of the game. Other auditions for the 2008 competition are being held in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Guildford, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Southampton.
Venue: Princes Hall, Aldershot
More info: http://www.myspace.com/liveunsigneduk
Open Mic Nights - New and Old
Its a very strange situation when some Open Mic Nights are being cut by breweries / management as they can't see the benefit of bringing in so many customers on mid-week nights. Recent losses include The Black Swan, Oakham and The Albion, East Molesey. However some new Open Mic Nights are just starting up. On Sunday night, the place to be is The Slug and Lettuce, Guildford. The local blues guitarist SHACKLETON, Will is hosting "The Sunday Sessions" a great showcase for young and talented musicians. Another Open Mic Night "Blue Velvet" will be launched on the 29th May, at The Remix Bar, Woking and is being organised by NEADS, Anthea who plays solo and with her husband Matt in Inimitable Dragonfly. It will only be once a month on the last Thursday. The new owners at the Mayford Arms, Woking will also be running one on alternate Tuesday's starting sometime soon.
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The Original Vibe is now first Wednesday
This musical showcase will be moving starting in March from the first Tuesday of the month to the first Wednesday, but you will still get the best in new local talent. Sadly this monthly showcase is currently on hold.
Venue: Vibe, Epsom
More info: http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalvibe
Venue: Vibe, Epsom
More info: http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalvibe
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