The ‘New’ Bloomsbury Set
live jazz supper club launches in London

“We’ve gone right to the top for our artists,” said Jazz FM’s CEO Richard Wheatly. “The Bloomsbury Set is a terrific initiative – bringing top class jazz artists exposure, outside traditional venues and re-inventing the tradition of wonderful entertainment in London’s hotels. We expect this to become a regular monthly adventure that will feature in every London jazz fan’s diary.”

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From Page To Screen
Bridport 3-9 April 2010 

FAMOUS for its literary prize, Bridport is back with a unique, ground-breaking literary film festival, From Page To Screen which celebrates excellence in film adaptations of new and classic books.

From Page To Screen was inspired by the organisers’ discovery that six out of ten Bafta and Oscar winning films were book adaptations, and yet, among the hundreds of film and book festivals which take place in Britain every year, none celebrated the art of adapting books for the silver screen.

The festival will be showing the very best adaptations including challenging dramas such as A Clockwork Orange and Paranoid Park, visual beauties such as A Room with a View and Bright Star, forgotten gems such as The Queen of Spades and The Lady Vanishes and stellar performances including Carey Mulligan, Colin Firth and Michael Sheen.

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EXETER SUMMER FESTIVAL - 25 June – 10 July 2010

DAZZLING performances by international stars will light up this year’s Exeter Summer Festival (25 June – 11 July). The 16-day arts festival funded by Exeter City Council and with the support of sponsors and partner venues, will electrify the city’s streets, venues, parks and public spaces with leading names from across the art, music, comedy and historical worlds - captivating all age groups.

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Edge Takes Over CES

The Edge Entertainment Agency has taken over CES Complete Entertainment Services, and what a perfect match!

Both companies, well-established in their field, arrange entertainment for corporate and private events.
Chris Bray, the former owner of CES Complete Entertainment Services said, having made the decision to relinquish the Entertainment Services branch of the CES group, his priority was to hand over to a company who would fulfil existing commitments to customers and artistes and maintain the quality of service that CES Complete Entertainment Services has provided since its inception in 1980. The Edge Entertainment Agency, having operated in the field since 1996, is well-respected in the industry, and comes with a good reputation and history, and so Chris was delighted when The Edge agreed to the deal.

The takeover will provide economies of scale and, geographically, the newly-acquired CES territory (the South East quarter of the UK) conveniently abuts The Edge’s original main region of activity (East Anglia). In more recent times The Edge’s operations have expanded both nationally and internationally.

CES Complete Entertainment Services continues to operate as before, under the CES name, and each company’s services continue to be provided locally, nationwide and further afield.

The Edge Entertainment Agency was set up in 1996 by its current director, Andrew Harvey. CES Complete Entertainment Services was started by its retiring owner, Chris Bray, in 1980, gaining full company status in 2002.

Of the takeover, Chris Bray said, “The Edge is a reputable company with reliable personnel, and a good, tight business. It is a fine match for the CES brand.”

Mr Bray will continue to be available on a consultancy basis.

Fruitmarket Folk

Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket will host some top folk music over the next few months as part of the spring Fruitmarket Folk season, which features performances by singer-songwriter Kieran Goss, high octane all-star ensemble Blazin’ Fiddles, Irish raconteur Finbar Furey, Scottish fiddler Patsy Reid and acoustic roots duo Show of Hands.

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Classical Artists Unite For The First Time
Classical Relief for Haiti

- The Prayer -
 23 Artists For 1 Cause
ALED JONES, ALL ANGELS,
BLAKE, BOND, CAMILLA KERSLAKE,
CHARLIE SIEM, DAME EVELYN GLENNIE,
DARIUS CAMPBELL, ELYSIUM, FARYL SMITH,
GARDAR THOR CORTEZ, JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER,
JULIAN SMITH, LIBERA, NATASHA MARSH,
ONLY MEN ALOUD, OPERABABES, PAUL POTTS,
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA,
RHYDIAN, SARA KEMPE, THE PRIESTS,
WYNNE EVANS
 Available to download March 14th 2010

 All proceeds to the Disasters Emergency Committee, on behalf of the people of Haiti

The good and the great of the classical music world today unite as they announce the recording of David Foster’s The Prayer (originally performed by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion), with proceeds going to the Disasters Emergency Committee, on behalf of the people of Haiti.

23 of the UK’s most successful classical artists will record the track at studios in West London on Saturday 27th February 2010, to the backdrop of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The track will be available to download from March 14th with all proceeds going to the Disasters Emergency Committee, on behalf of the people of Haiti.

The project, which was developed and managed by Nadia Raibin and Alan McBlane of Production Team brings together, for the very first time in the classical music world, musicians, tenors, baritones and sopranos from across the country -  all united for one cause,  HAITI. 

Says teenage prodigy Faryl Smith - “I’m really pleased to have been asked to sing for the Haiti Charity Single. It’s a real honour to be a part of something that is being done for the first time, and I hope that all music lovers get involved and help raise money for the campaign. I really hope that we can make a difference together to help the horrible situation that Haiti is in at the moment

Noel Vine, producer of The Prayer, and instigator of what will be known as the ‘Classical Band Aid”  adds “Throughout all this incredible process of arranging music, scoring, production, recording, the one thing at the forefront of my mind was 'why we are doing this'?  Its easy to sit back, sing your notes, record your line, jump in your waiting warm car and speed off to your next engagement without a thought as to what you are doing.  I have to say, that every artist that I've worked with on this 'monumental first' has had the humility to say 'for one day, its not about me....I am doing this for Haiti'. 

Classical group Blake’s sentiment is shared by the collective  "We are really happy to be able to do something for this incredibly worthy cause and are honoured to be a part of the recording of "The Prayer". The suffering in Haiti is almost unimaginable, and our hearts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by this horrendous tragedy. We hope that the public will be moved to dig deep and support this 'first' ever classical single."  

Britain’s Got Talent’s Paul Potts - “It was shocking to see the devastation that the earthquake brought to Haiti. It was inspiring to see among the pain and suffering hope against all odds. I feel privileged to be asked to be part of bringing that hope to the people of Haiti through the classical single for Haiti. Please support the single to help bring hope and relief to the people of Haiti."

All proceeds less only any unavoidable 3rd party expenses will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee, on behalf of the people of Haiti, Registered No: 1062638. All recording artists, orchestras, musicians, A&R, producers, engineers, studios and project management have all provided their services for free.

Nintendo reveals new information at European media summit

Nintendo of Europe today held a summit for European media in London, at which it showcased a number of games scheduled for launch on Wii and Nintendo DS in the first half of this year. Highlights of the day included hands-on experiences of – and confirmation of launch dates for – two anticipated games: Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M.

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First music acts for Big Tent 2010 unveiled

Music at the Big Tent plays an integral role; with some unmissable acts helping to make Scotland’s Environmental Festival a must-visit weekend and 2010 will be no exception.

The music programme kicks off on the evening of Friday 23rd July until Sunday 25th July  and will feature an exciting line-up of up and coming and established artists with music inspired by the four corners of the globe. There is a major focus on world music and on celebrating the best of Fife during its Year of Culture.

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Fairports Cropredy Convention

International flavour in festivals thirtieth year

Fairport Convention has announced the line-up for its annual music festival, Fairports Cropredy Convention. The festival organisers have also announced that tickets will go on sale on Monday 1 March.

The event is celebrating its thirtieth year and will take place on Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 August 2010. The festival will be held at its usual site in countryside north of Banbury, Oxfordshire, three miles from Junction 11 of the M40 motorway.

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Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships 2010

The Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships is back for its biggest year yet in 2010.  With performers throughout the UK keen to show off their vocal skills, everyone’s in with a chance to win a brand spanking new Vauxhall Corsa SXi worth £14,500!

To follow in the footsteps of previous winners Beardyman, MC Zani and Reeps One, ...

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Classical boyband Blake nominated for Album Of The Year at the 2010 Classical BRIT Awards

Classical boyband Blake today announce that their latest album, Together, has been nominated for Album Of The Year at the 2010 Classical BRIT Awards to be held in May.

Blake’s Jules Knight – “We're over the moon that we have been nominated for a Classical BRIT Award. As the underdogs in this competition we're hoping everyone will get behind us.

Together is our first independent album, made entirely without a major label, so this is a very special honour for us.”
Stephen Bowman concurs -  “We were amazed and utterly humbled to hear that we'd been nominated. So many people told us that independent artists never get put up for this award; we gave up hope! We feel like the small shop owners up against the corporate supermarkets; but it's up to the public vote, so fingers crossed!'

The group last won Album Of The Year at the Classical BRITS for their debut album, Blake, in 2008. http://www.blakeofficial.com

Ten Thousand Film Reviews In Your Hand

World’s Largest Movie Magazine Enlists Future Workshops and MobiKats

Watch the ‘Empire Movie Guide’ iPhone app demo here: http://www.futureworkshops.com/projects/empire

Future Workshops and MobiKats today announce the winning collaboration behind one of the UK’s most successful consumer iPhone applications of recent months.

The Empire Movie Guide provides easy and fast access to the magazine’s complete library of film reviews for a one-off download cost of £2.99.  It was listed in the coveted iTunes ‘Featured App’ spot for four weeks.

The app allows the film fan to create a bespoke and social environment - with the option to prioritise favourite reviews and share through social network connectivity with sites such as Twitter and Facebook. It allows the user to search under various terms - title, director, actor and genre.

Empire’s film review library is compressed and pre-loaded to the device upon installation - meaning it uses less than 12meg of the iPhone’s storage.  The app can also be used when the phone is offline.  It is kept fully up-to-date with new reviews via an automated synchronization mechanic – that runs seamlessly in the background.

The London-based consultancies joined forces to deliver the application for Bauer Media. MobiKats focused on project management and brand guardianship, whereas Future Workshops was responsible for user experience, technical innovation, build and engineering.

Matt Brooke-Smith, founder of Future Workshops concluded: “Applications are an engaging way to repackage & represent existing content in a manner that adds real commercial value to a brand – rather than just ‘recycling’ it on a new platform.  It’s critical that the end user sees instant value from this type of content-rich application due to the size of the iPhone’s interface. As such it’s key to rework content in an accessible and appealing way.”

Phil Hunt, founder of MobiKats commented on the project: “This was an interesting project to deliver as the brief was to monetise the brand’s heritage. We decided to repurpose the existing content for the iPhone platform - our research showed that mobile is an ideal channel for reaching both new and existing film fans.”

See: www.futureworkshops.com / www.mobikats.com

SCOOBY-DOO RETURNS WITH THE NEW ANIMATED MOVIE
SCOOBY-DOO! ABRACADABRA-DOO

Everyone’s favourite mystery solving hound will be hitting the shelves on March 29, 2010  with his new magical animated movie “Scooby-Doo! Abracadabra Doo”.

Fans, both big and small, will be spellbound by this brand-new haunting adventure starring the whole Mystery Inc. gang.

Join the gang as they set out on a trip to visit Daphne’s sister Madelyn, who has been studying magic at the Whirlen Merlin Magic Academy. However, when they arrive, they find out that the school has been troubled with strange disturbances and a lot of the pupils have run away after being scared by a mysterious giant Gryphon. Mystery Inc. smell trouble and go to investigate!

DVD bonus material includes the cool featurette “Scooby-Doo and Puppets Too” where you can learn how to make your own scary Gryphon puppet. It’s a great introduction to puppet-making for all ages!

“Scooby-Doo! Abracadabra Doo” is available nationwide from all good retailers from March 29 2010 for kids aged 4 - 9. RRP £12.99.

FRIEL UNVEILS THE FUTURE OF CINEMA AT VUE WESTFIELD

Actress ANNA FRIEL dazzles at the opening of Vue Westfield. The British star said she was “Delighted” to be asked to launch Europe’s largest all-digital cinema which will offer cinema-goers a greater choice of movies in flawless picture and sound quality.

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Grace Jones announces special one off show
at London’s Royal Albert Hall

European debut of collaboration with oscar ® winning costume designer and acclaimed production designer Eiko Ishioka

Monday 26 April 2010

** Tickets on sale Monday 8th February – 9am **

The diva that defined and continues to define the pop landscape today announces a special show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Monday 26th April 2010. Off the back of her sell-out 2009 Hurricane tour and rapturous festival sweep, Grace and her creative team have evolved the production to include new fashion undertones, breathtaking lasers and spectacular sets all to create a sensory and sonic utopia.

Collaborating with Oscar ® winning costume and production designer Eiko Ishioka, Grace debuted her new production at the Hollywood Bowl in Summer 2009. The London show marks the European debut for her groundbreaking collaboration.

A week after the show, Grace opens a unique collaboration with groundbreaking light artist, Chris Levine. Entitled Stillness at the Speed of Light, these sensational portraits will go on show from 29th April 2010 at The Vinyl Factory Gallery in Poland Street, London.

Ticketing Details

020 7589 8212 / www.royalalberthall.com
0871 230 5595 / www.kililive.com

Proud Presents

Record contract and prize money up for grabs in the hottest unsigned musical talent competition

With a highly desired prize, the best musicians in the country and the exclusively public vote, this is a battle of the bands like no other.

Proud Camden is giving unsigned musicians a reason to celebrate with the re-launch of Proud Presents from Tuesday 20th April. The platform for undiscovered hopefuls is to be a monthly fixture at the legendary venue, which in recent months hosted household names including Florence and the Machine, Sting and Babyshambles.

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'Coalition of the Willing'

'Coalition of the Willing' is a collaborative animated film and web-based event about an online war against global warming in a 'post Copenhagen' world.

‘Coalition of the Willing’ is being crafted by a network of 24 artists from around the world using varied and eclectic film making techniques. Collaborators include some of the world’s top moving image talent, such as Decoy, World Leaders and Parasol Island.

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Cabinets of Curiosity, an arts & theatre company, would like to announce their latest production, commencing February 08th in London, Five Clever Courtesans -  a fun and feisty new play that  brings to life five strong, independent women from different times and places.

SALES ROBUST IN A TRANSITIONAL YEAR FOR
THE BRITISH VIDEO INDUSTRY

New figures on the home entertainment market, released today by the British Video Association (BVA) using data from the Official Charts Company, reveal that video home entertainment has weathered the recessionary storm in 2009, with December unit sales up 1.8% on the same time in 2008, giving the market a traditional seasonal boost.

Q4 sales volumes increased 83% on the previous quarter and were only 3.0% lower than the same period in 2008, when Woolworths and Zavvi were still trading.  The closure of these two chains last December, which together represented 13% of the market, severely hit the following first quarter video sales in 2009, as it did other entertainment sectors.  Since spring the decline has levelled out and the BVA anticipates seeing overall growth return in 2010.  This is expected to come from the increasing digital market and from Blu-ray discs, as HD-ready TVs are forecast to rise from 58% of UK TV households in 2009 to 72% this year, boosted by HD TV coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in June.

Sales of Blu-ray discs increased 123% year-on-year to 8.4 million units, demonstrating the increasing strength in demand for the high-definition home entertainment format, and made up 3.4% of total video sales.  However in Q4 the high-definition format made up a higher proportion of new release disc sales than ever before, with Blu-ray accounting for 26% of District 9 sales, 23% of Terminator Salvation sales and 22% of Inglourious Basterds and Star Trek 11.   Since their launch 13 million Blu-ray discs have sold. 

Simon Heller, Blu-ray Partners Campaign Director of the BVA, says:
“The BVA’s 2009 Q4 campaign targeted households with an HD-ready TV to explain that the best way to get the most out of your HD-TV is to watch content on Blu-ray.  Bolt-on technology such as a Blu-ray player is a fraction of the cost of the HD-TV itself, yet it is only this that gives you the ultimate 1080p high-definition experience - with five times the picture quality – that your HD-TV is designed for.  With hardware prices falling to the £100 mark, 2010 is the year to make the most of your home entertainment technology.” 

Stand alone Blu-ray player sales rose 158% to the end of November, which the BVA estimates could bring total sales in 2009 to over 600,000.

Rising popularity of Blu-ray was offset by a 7.3% year-on-year decline in DVD sales.  DVDs account for 96.3% of the home entertainment video retail market, meaning total sales of video have dipped 5.6% to 243.5 million units from 257.9 million in 2008. 

Lavinia Carey, Director General of the British Video Association says:
“The home entertainment industry has come through the recession fighting and rallied in the run up to Christmas.  DVD sales are down 5.6% due to several factors, including the effects of copyright theft and the changing retail landscape.  Careful shoppers have benefitted from the fantastic promotional offers last year but the loss of Woolworths’ and Zavvi’s 900-odd stores meant that the 13% market-share they jointly represented, worth around £300 million, has been slow to replace, particularly given the high propensity of Woolworths shoppers to buy on impulse. ”

While DVDs, and increasingly Blu-ray discs, remain the most popular formats on which to view video, consumers are progressively trying new formats within the digital market, such as paid-for ‘downloads to own,’ reflecting an exciting transitional period for the video industry.

Lavinia Carey explains:
“It is an exciting time for consumers, especially as new technological developments are announced every week, offering people more choice than ever when deciding how to view video at home or on the move. Furthermore, it suggests that although sales of DVDs have dipped, Blu-ray and digital formats are beginning catch on.”

 Mike Brown, Head of Technology at the BVA adds:
“Monitoring online digital transactions in the future will be crucial for both distributors and retailers as they need the information to plan future sales and investment strategies. As the rights owners’ trade body, the BVA is the driving force uniting the industry and encouraging them to provide the data to form the digital sales and rental charts.”

In the meantime, demand for stand up comedy titles grew by 2%, proving that the nation has not lost its sense of humour, children’s titles grew by 1.4% over the year and music video sales ended the year up an impressive 14.1%, boosted by demand for product following Michael Jackson’s death and a new Take That release – The Circus Live, which sold 574,000 units in December.

Windfest 2010 dates confirmed!

The UK’s biggest free watersports and extreme sports festival - The Animal Windfest - will return to Dorset for its 12th consecutive year in 2010. So pleased were the organisers with 2009’s event that they’ve already started planning its successor, and this year the date has been confirmed as 10 – 12 September.

Last year, the three-day festival attracted an estimated 15,000 people to its spiritual home of Sandbanks in Poole. In 2010 – expect all the great activities you saw last time out… and much, much more!

For example, the kitesurfing course racing will return, but this time it’ll become part of the UK national series, adding a level of competition that’s sure to see things getting lively! The big coup, however, is in the windsurfing, where the British National Freestyle Championships will be returning to the event after a few years away, so expect some of the biggest and best tricks in the business to be coming to UK shores!

Organiser, Gary Willingham, says: “Obviously, we were really pleased with how last year’s Animal Windfest went, but we’re not ones to rest on our laurels. Every year we try to think of new and interesting ways to make the event even better.

“All our brainstorming sessions for the 2010 event get us more and more excited. Hopefully between now and 10 September the ideas will keep on flowing and Windfest fans will see an even more incredible show next time. I can’t wait!”