Click on image to go to 'The Lovers Rock Story' free album competition (closing date Monday Nov. 1). 

 

Friday November 5, 5-9pm

Even though we've got issues with Harrow Council's take on Black History Month,  BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress will provide a Black Music Migration programme showing how black music has migrated across England on Friday November 5, 5-9pm at the Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, Harrow, Middx HA1 (Harrow Wealdstone station; several buses, including 182, from either Harrow On The Hill or Harrow & Wealdstone). £Free. No need to book, just get there early. For more editor@britishblackmusic.com  info@btwsc.com. It's part of the African Sang's wrap up of its Black History Month 'Migration' themed programme, which culminates with the Food Migration, 6-9pm. For more information: Rachael Twumasi/The A-Connexion's Global Village 07956 233 752. theaconnexion@yahoo.co.uk.

Saturday November 6, 2-8pm, The ARC, 334-340 Romford Road, Forest Gate, London  E7 (behind Gulf petrol station)(Stratford or Forest Gate station; buses include 25, 330). £free entry but advisable to book in advance. A correct attitude and desire to learn required!

BTWSC/BBM/BMC ONE-DAY MUSIC BUSINESS WORKSHOP & SHOWCASE on Saturday November 6, 2-8pm. An opportunity for 16-19 year olds, particularly from East London, to learn about the music business from industry practitioners, and also either perform or watch MCs and singers show their stuff on stage! Watch out for special artist performance! Workshops will be in small classes, so bring pen, paper, a correct attitude and a desire to learn about the music business. Areas covered include marketing & promotion, copyright, contracts, industry organisations, publishing, sources of income. Light refreshments provided. To book: Ms Serwah, BTWSC co-ordinator 020 8450 5987 or info@btwsc.com.  

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PINE AT TABERNACLE
In the climax to a year that has seen him tour the World extensively, present three series for BBC Radio 2 and finish his self-produced animated film, BBM/BMC 2003 Artist Courtney Pine is back home for a special ‘Devotion’ concert at The Tabernacle, West London on November 29. plays London’s Tabernacle Nov. 20.  Two shows at 7.30pm and 10.30pm. £15/£10. 0207 565 7800, www.courtney-pine.com.

BEV & SCOTT
BBM/BMC 2003 Trailblazer Artist Beverley Knight has British blue-eyed soul singer Jamie Scott on her tour support slot. Jamie will be doing his own thing by performing with full band on Sunday October 31 at Ronnie
Scotts, a venue that he sold out last time he performed there (it was cool, under-stated and enjoyable. Of course we had free drinks then).

Bev tour dates: 11th November  Warwick University; 14th November  Wolverhampton Civic Hall; 15th November   Manchester Academy; 16th November Edinburgh Usher Hall; 19th November           Cambridge Corn Exchange; 21st November  Norwich UEA; 22nd November   Southampton Guildhall; 24th November Hammersmith Apollo.

CARIBBEAN WEB GUIDE
Every Caribbean has been created to provide a platform to support families and friends of those in the Caribbean islands (and the USA) who have been affected by the most powerful and deadliest hurricanes of this year - Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Jeanne. more. info@everycaribbean.co.uk. (0)20 7247 5565.

FEMALE TALENT
Are you the next Beyonce, Shaznay or Christina? Do you have talent, looks and charisma? Blackout UK Productions Ltd is looking for female singers: 0794 653 2294.

OPERATIC STREET
R&B/hip-hop collective Diamond Stone are behind the ‘Street Opera: An R&B & Hip-Hop Musical’ playing at the Watermans Theatre, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8. “Think: Westside Story meets Boyz in the Hood with an essential twist of UK flava,”. £10. Saturday November 6, 7pm. 020 7434 3472. www.diamondstoneuk.net

LAUGHING MATTER
Black Entertainment Comedy Awards: November 4, Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 £25/£20.. Don’t Forget! Da Comedy Room and Special P presents their monthly Stand Up Comedy night every last Tuesday of the Month at the Z Bar Brixton SW2 the launch night will be Tuesday October 26. The night will feature comedians and comediennes from the UK and USA, place, doors open 8pm, show time 9pm, £5 all night. It's good to laugh at jokes not each other. info@becaawawards.co.uk. www.DaComedyRoom.com.

JAZZMO’THOLOGY
Jazzmo’thology: The Movement of Jazz People. A new jazz experience for Londoners coming soon. “To define Jazzmo’thology, think of all the long nights during which one has been obliged to remain standing (Late Booking!) when the desire is to sit; when the reward of a rare evening out is to find oneself sharing the moment in great company; where the combination of sublime music and seasoned listeners creates the perfect ambience.”

Jazzmo’thology will hit the Blue Note in the capital’s cultural quarters with regular Friday and Saturday nights of the finest contemporary music performed by a roster of our most exciting artistes. The London-wide membership will get in the groove for a great session. And no need to rush: Jazzmo’thology will welcome you with open arms at 9:00p.m. and carry you through to the early hours with a guarantee of two sets of live music from the featured artiste. Forthcoming attractions will include: The Tony Kofi Quartet; Armsted Christian; Soweto Kinch; Juliet Roberts; Denise Jannah; Tunde Jegede; Cassandra; Mr. Groko Uter; Mr. Rudy Jones; Ray Carless; Keith Waithe and The Blackbyrds. www.jazzmothology.co.uk

HIP HOP HONORS
VH1 in Europe on Oct 24th!!! Check local listings for times. NEW YORK, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" celebrates one of the most significant and innovative musical forces since the emergence of rock 'n roll on Tuesday, October 12, at 9PM* by honoring DJ Kool Herc, DJ Hollywood, KRS-One, Public Enemy, Rock Steady Crew, Run DMC, Sugarhill Gang, Tupac Shakur and The Graffiti Movement -- the players who pioneered the genre into a true cultural phenomenon. Host Vivica A. Fox, along with MC Lyte as backstage announcer presided over the evening, while Beastie Boys, Nas, Chic, Hammer, Fat Joe and Terror Squad, Anthrax, Doug E. Fresh, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Rock, DJ S&S and Lee Quinoes were on hand to perform tributes to these hip-hop luminaries. Ice T, Tracy Morgan, Salt-n-Pepa, Afeni Shakur, Taye Diggs, Roselyn Sanchez and Foxy Brown, Wyclef Jean, Reverend Al Sharpton, Ed Lover and Dr. Dre, Debbie Harry and Fab 5 Freddy were also present to pay their respects to hip-hop.
 www.vh1.com/shows/events/hip_hop_honors/2004/

FILM SHOWS
There’s lots happening across London and the rest of the country. We’ll bring you updates in next newsletter, such as Reading’s Blue Sky Arts’ Decibel programme, which includes, ‘Beef’, which we first saw at their hip-hop film festival in June.

Suffice to say we had an engaging discussion after the showing of the very emotive and eye-opening ‘Amandla!’ film at the Tricycle Cinema. We’re hoping to show it as part of the Welcome To Harlesbridge sessions fairly soon. The B3 Media Beats, bytes and the big screen festival of films, talks, etc continues. It includes these freebies: ‘Sneakers: size isn't everything’ on Oct. 24, 12-2.30pm and the last of the programme, ‘Dancehall Queen’ on Nov. 11, 2-4.30pm.

Event costs £FREE.  Cromwell Road, London SW7. bookings.office@vam.ac.uk. Download flyer or extra file: Click here to download flyer or extra file

Dancehall Queen - Film event 14.11.2004, from 2pm to 4.30. Basic event description: Dancehall Queen UK/ 1997; 90 mins Dir. Don Letts & Rick Elgood Dancehall Queen is hailed as one of the most influential films on dancehall culture and one of the most successful films in the history of Jamaican cinema. With ample style, fashion and attitude it provides a rare and credible glimpse into the world of dancehall culture.

Extra event information: The film is co-directed by Don Letts, the award winning filmmaker, DJ and musician whose pioneering work as a music video director and documentary filmmaker spans the worlds of punk rock (documenting the Clash, for which he won a Grammy award), reggae (directing music videos for the legendary Bob Marley) to his groundbreaking documentary on hip-hop, as part of the Dancing in the Street series for the BBC. Event organised by: The V&A Museum. Event website: http://www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/microsites/1341_black_british_style/activities_and_events.php?cat=8&event=1  

Event costs £FREE. The Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW9. bookings.office@vam.ac.uk.

www.b3media.net 

REGGAE MASH UP
Tighten Up 5^th Birthday Mash Up/Trojan Records on Friday October 29 2004
(& the last Friday of every month). The Salmon & Compass, 58 Penton St
Islington N1 (Corner of Chapel Mkt & Penton St - Angel Tube). Doors: 8pm til 2am
Gate pressure: FREE til 9pm, £3 after. Music Policy: a rough & rugged mix-up of Classic Reggae, Scorchin' Ska, Real Rocksteady, Old-Skool-Dancehall, Raw Roots & Heavyweight Dub!!! Special Guest MC: The legendary U-BROWN. Guest Selectors: Dave Hendley & Chris Lane. Residents: Mistah Brown & Tim P. On the mic: The Mighty Champion MC

HARLESDEN FLAVA
WHATS YR FLAVA, 135 HARLESDEN HIGH ST, THE FIRST SAT EVERY MONTH. £5/£3 (Concession). Check out FUJAM, A FULL BAND, DRUMS, PERCUSSION, BASS, GUITAR, AND VOX: DUB, FUNK, HIP HOP, DRUM BASS AND MUSIC OF THE WORLD. OPPORTUNITY TO JAM AS WELL. GREAT WAY OF LINKING MUSICIANS/DJS/PRODUCERS ETC IN HARLESDEN. shanksputwain95@hotmail.com

INDUSTRY MUSICWORKS
Music business confab Musicworks takes place Oct. 27-29 in Glasgow. For more on the MIDEM up Scotland: http://www.musicworksuk.com/

LOVERS DON
Bring Your Father To The Dance party stars reggae don Alton Ellis celebrating his fiftieth year of performing, alongside to Elements featuring Pan-Africanist & Cuttie Williams, Peter Hunnigale, plus Black Sheroes In The Hall of Achievement. Saturday November 13. Broadway Theatre, in Catford, south London, is the latest chapter in the annual Night With  Elements showcase. As usual, the event features the crème de la crème of international and local talent, as we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of  the start of the mighty Alton Ellis’ professional career in the music industry. “We also commemorate the tenth anniversary of the publication of Patrick Augustus’ groundbreaking novel ‘BabyFather’, the story the BBC didn’t dare to show in it’s authentic representation.”  Ms Joan Thomas on 07949 872 875 or masivem@hotmail.com

MICJAC’S 35^TH
Not quite his fiftieth, but since he’s still in his forties, Micjac (Michael Jackson) has a 35 year track record. To commemorate it Sony was supposed to – we aren’t sure whether the Nov. 15 release date is still on the cars – ‘The Ultimate Collection’ CD/concert DVD spanning 1969-2004. www.michaeljackson.com

AMERICAN DUNE
They may be based in Harrow, Middlesex but UK jazz specialist does get around. After garnering MOBO, Mercury, and numerous jazz award nominations, they’re set to give the Yankies a taste of quality British jazz. Because they’ve recently signed a marketing and distribution deal with Denver-based Synergy Distribution and INDIEgo Jazz Promotions. “We are delighted to be working with Synergy and INDIEgo. We consider them excellent partners for the label as they have good knowledge of, and access to, the US jazz market,” says managing director Janine Irons. “They also appreciate where we’re coming from as a label, and they love our music. Historically, British jazz hasn’t had a good track record in the US, but I think our fresh approach to the music, as well as the style and quality of the label and its artists stand Dune in good stead to alter popular opinion. We are confident that jazz fans in the States are going to love Dune.” (Profile piece will soon be posted on bbm-on.net). 

First albums onto record store shelves across the US are: September 2004
Soweto Kinch’s ‘Conversations With The Unseen’ (DUNECD08) and Jazz Jamaica All Stars’ ‘Massive’ (DUNECD06). Upcoming Stateside releases include: Denys Baptiste’s ‘Let Freedom Ring!’ (DUNECD010) and Jazz Jamaica’s ‘Motown Reloaded’ (DUNECD012) in January 2005, and Abram Wilson’s ‘Jazz Warrior’ (DUNECD011) in the spring.

SELLING BLUES TO YANKS
More UK-US business: Based in Colchester, 50 miles east of London, blues-based quartet Nublues is literally carrying coals to Newcastle by having become, according to group guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Ramon Gooses “the first British blues group to be signed to an American label in many years.” Its Dreams Of A Blues Man' was released on blues musician/actor Chris Thomas King’s New Orleans-based 21st Century Blues label last month. Nublues, which is this month’s Blues Matters!’s cover featured act, is however consolidating on home territory. Its gig sheet includes playing the Digital BluesFest Oct. 31 at Billericay, Essex. “Our style fuses blues with hip-hop, and other styles, and we have a great London-born singer called Jay Nicholls,” adds Goose. Very accessible album. Check reviews later for a review. http://nublues.port5.com/

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COURSE
A 4 day weekend course at City University highly relevant for small labels, musicians, managers, product managers and anyone seeking to work in the international music industry. Topics include the value of music territories abroad, current trends in emerging markets, how to get to and what to do at music trade fairs, promoting and licensing your music outside the UK and giving your acts or bands exposure.  General preferences, research methods, culture-specific promotions and live performances abroad will also be covered. Tutor is Kwela Hermanns, a lecturer in the School of Media at Paisley University near Glasgow. She has a background in song writing and performing, she was also assistant promoter at what is now the Barfly venue in North London. 2 weekends. Sat 10am- 5pm, Sun 11-4pm. Code CE2307. 30/31 October & 13/14 November 2004.

City University, Northampton Square, EC1 (Nearest tube Angel or Old Street). Fee: £200 (concessions available) and is fully accredited 10 credits at level 2. Please ring 020 7040 8257 for more details or email cultind@city.ac.uk,  www.city.ac.uk/conted/cfa/cultind. 

AFRO CUBAN
REK Productions celebrates BLACK HISTORY MONTH with AFRICAN DANCE, AFRO CUBAN/LATIN DANCE WORKSHOPS November 6-7. Dance Workshops timetable on each Day : 12:00 to 14:00, 14:15 to 16:15 and 16:30 to 18:30.....Free Demonstration/History on African Dance Influence on Saturday from 19:00 to 20:00. Dance Workshop Price: £10 per workshop Class , £8 Concession for Students/Unemployed with Proof. Day Pass: £25 for all the Workshops per Day. Weekend Pass (Saturday & Sunday) : £40 pounds. Venue : YAA ASANTEWAA , 1 Chippenham Mews, London, W9 2AN. REK Productions on 07780 707 619. Katasi Kironde: 07939954738.

MORE BHM CELEBRATIONS
Celebrating Black History Month 2004 Fundraising Inaugural Gala Ball. Saturday October 30 2004. The Olympia Conference Centre, Kensington, Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX

07.00pm – 02.00am. Black British Heritage Presents: A spectacular theatrical fundraising Inaugural Gala Ball that will focus on past images from the 16^th to 20^th Century through a series of acts that will give an insight into life as it was then. Credit Card Booking and cash sales: 0870 242 4736,  www.black-heritage.com, Iana, Ken, or Miriam on 020 8748 6950 for information or info@black-british-heritage.com.

MORE AFRO CUBAN
IBRAHIM FERRER WINTER 2004 UK TOUR: Monday 1^st November:  ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, LONDON (08703 800 400); Wednesday 3^rd November:  FESTIVAL AT WATERFRONT, BELFAST (028 9097 2626); Friday 5^th November:  SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM (0870 9094133); Saturday 6^th November:  USHER HALL, EDINBURGH (0131 228 1155); Monday 8^th November:  BRIDGEWATER HALL, MANCHESTER (0161 907 9000).

BLACK PUNKSTER
‘Afro-Punk: the rock n roll n****r experience’ is available for around £150 to add an edge to your post-BHM film presentation. Contact: evakatasi@hotmail.com or check it out on www.afropunk.com/ . It’s  a 66-minute documentary which explores race identity within the punk scene. It tackles the hard questions, such as issues of  loneliness, exile, inter-racial dating and black power. We follow the lives of four people who have dedicated themselves to the punk rock lifestyle. They find themselves in conflicting situations, living the dual life of a person of colour in a mostly white community.

LIVE CHOICE
Fancy a live spot on London-wide Choice FM? For a spot on the monthly showcase spot, hit: ivor@choicefm.com for details. It’s part of Dave VJ show on 96.9 FM, Sky Digital Channel 939 and Telewest 969, and on www.choicefm.co.uk.

TALKING GUT FEELING
Former Talking Loud boss Paul Martin’s new imprint is unsurprisingly called Gut Instinct, a subsidiary of Gut Records.  His first new signing is Plantlife, an LA-based hip-hop act. Martin signed at tried to develop Skinny Man whilst at Talkin Loud/Mercury, but it all went pear-shape because of Skinny’s extra on-road activities.

MORE POWERFUL REVELATIONS
For those that missed our Welcome To Harlesbridge presentation, or those who wish to spread the message, record producer/writer Steve Campbell presents his ‘Power Behind The Music’ audio-visual presentation at Wood Green New Testament Church Of God, High Rd, Wood Green, London N22. on Saturday October 23, 2.00pm. 07956 998 909

BBM/BMC e-newsletter

October 20 2004

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