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British Black Music Month 2006 Calendar

 

 

 

 

British Black Music Month (BBMM) is an initiative of the Black Music Congress (BMC) and is organised through out June 2006 by BritishBlackMusic.com (BBM). The symbol on the top left indicates either a BBM organised or partnered event. BBM organised events are free, except where indicated, but must be pre-booked either via editor@britishblackmusic.com using programme name in the subject line, or online from the June events calendar at www.britishblackmusic.com

The aim of BBMM is to focus on, and help develop, the British black music sector, through not just performances, but also talk programmes that concentrate on historical, cultural, educational, economical, music industry, and political issues.

If you're interested in the BMM sector - support BBMM, pass on the information, and enjoy!

Thursday June 1: Workshop: Anatomy Of A British Black Music Trailblazing Album 1: Omar’s ‘There’s Nothing Like This’ (Kongo). Omar and his business team Root Jackson (label/publishing), Lance Williamson (marketing), Philip Buchanan (manager) - discuss how they broke this key album and title track. Chair: Kwaku (BMC). 6-8pm. The Wood Theatre, University Of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS.
        practice safe txtgetting personal with your mobileTM Friday June 2:Club/networking: Music & Media Professionals Networking & Chillout Night. BMC and iViMo present a relaxed opportunity for music & media professionals and friends to meet, network and enjoy a drink and some cool British black music. Join Kwaku and Keynes in experiencing the G-Networking™ technique. 6.30-10.30pm. Sesto Bar, 254 Edgware Road, London W2 1DS.
     

               

Saturday June 3: Debate: Has British Black Music Lost Its Politics?’. BMC presents its bi-annual debate in association with City University's Cultural Industries Unit and Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR). Preceded by The Great British Black Music Quiz, with instant prizes, and the screening of the Rock Against Racism film ‘Who Shot The Sheriff?’. Panellists Marc Wadsworth (community activist), DJ Excalibah (DJ), Glideascope (musician), Kerri Parke (LMHR), Aki Nawaz (Fun-da-mental), and chair Kwaku (BMC) lead the debate which questions whether political issues are being articulated in today's songs. Who out there today matches the engaging politicism of the Marvin Gayes, Stevie Wonders, Linton Kwesi Johnsons, Aswads and Steel Pulses of yesterday? 3-6pm. City University, Northampton Square, London EC1 0HB.
                Subaltern Soundz Monday June 5: Workshop: Constructing Radio. Subaltern Soundz in association with BMC present a practical radio workshop themed around the current and historical importance of black music and its role in British radio. Part of the session will be geared to examining what's needed, if the objectives of the BMC - to provide a sustainable platform in the industry for supporters, enthusiasts and practitioners of black music - are to be realised.  2-6pm. Room H103, Connaught House, London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE.
                        Tuesday June 6: Seminar: Black Music In The Education System.
Panellists and guest speakers including Kwaku (BMC), Mykaell Riley (BMET), Sophia Carvello (Vibes), Pepita Hanna (BCC), and Sacha Brookes (Galaxy 102.2), explore the role of black music and its relevance within the education syllabus. 6-8pm. South Birmingham College. This is part of the multi-media  BASS (Birmingham Arts And Street Sounds) Festival taking place throughout Birmingham June 1-July 1 (www.bassfestival.co.uk). To book: 0121 224 744, josie@punch-records.co.uk.
        Thursday June 8: Workshop: Exploring The Market Of Urban And Asian Music. Panellists  Kwaku (BMC), Mark Strippel (BBC Asian Network), Nihal (BBC Radio 1),  Sumit Bothra (Embargo Management) and Yvonne Thompson (ASAP Communications), lead a workshop providing essential advice for anyone wanting to make it big in the Urban and Asian world of music. 2-4pm. PRS, 29/33 Berners Street, London W1T 3AB. This workshop is part of the annual London-wide City Showcase music and fashion festival taking place  5–9 June 2006 (gigs from 5-8 June and workshops from 5-9 June). To book: www.cityshowcase.co.uk.
                        Thursday June 8: Club/live: British Black Music Pressure. A club night dedicated to playing 100% British black music, irrespective of genre, plus live music by the likes of classico-dance fusionist Glideascope. Non-smoking club, with reasonably-priced bar. You can a) bring your own recording - one track CD-R for the DJ, plus b) few open mic spots will be available: keyboard will be on stage, just bring your voice (and acoustic or electric guitar, but no CD playback). Catch Kwaku DJing in public for the first time this century! Brought to you in association with Collage Arts. 7-8pm: Networking space, 8-12pm: Club/live session. Karamel Club, Chocolate Factory 2, 4 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UJ.
      Friday June 9: Awards: Brent Youth Spotlight 2006. An edu-tainment ceremony honouring 13-17 year olds of black and ethnic minority backgrounds who've done things worth highlighting, like community work, exemplary behaviour, looking after disabled family members, or turning away from challenging behaviour. Guest of honour: Supt. Leroy Logan MBE, Hackney deputy commander. Chair: Marc Wadsworth. Featured artists: Ekklesia, and Flash Musicals. Performances by young singers and poets. Fun quiz and freebies! Dressing must be formal, or smart casual - no hoodies, caps, drop-down trousers, or spots attire. 6-8.30pm. Tavistock Hall, High Street, Harlesden, London NW10 4NE (next to KFC).
                                   Fridays June 9, 16, 23, 30: Club: British Black Music Pressure. Formerly known as Soul Inspired, the Friday night Play sessions are a mixture of great soul inspiring music  with an older crowd with a twist current R&B and hip-hop, and the last hour and half dedicated exclusively to old school. There are 5 pairs of free tickets for BBM subscribers to win for each of the dates highlighted above. Also, there will be a British Black Music Pressure 100% back-to-back British black music mix at some time in the night. Residents are Ronnie Herel, Steve Wren, JP & Kev. Promoted by Rachael Bee @ Impact Ventures, 020 8671 6121/07939 593718, play@impactventures.co.uk. 10pm-3am. £10 (guest list - say BBM and you'll get guest list price)/£15. Strictly over 21's - no caps or hoodies. Teatro, 93-107 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5DY.
          Saturday June 10 : Concert/workshop: Faith Values Gospel & Inspirational Concert. Some of Britain's top contemporary gospel and inspirational artists will be performing with a live band. Be prepared to have your head and soul inspired. Preceded by a short workshop discussing the core values of Christianity and Hinduism, and issues affecting the domestic gospel market. Free raffle, plus Fair Trade stand and free samples, but also put your money where your heart's at. Concert features Donna Gardier, Ekklesia, Noel McKoy, and Owen Deacon. Compre: Andrea Encinas-Meads. 3-6pm. Tavistock Hall, High Street, Harlesden, London NW10 4NE (next to KFC).
              Monday June 12 - Saturday 17: In-store activity:  British Hip-Hop History Graffiti Wall: Walk into the Deal Real hip-hop specialist record shop off London's Carnaby Street, write the name of a British rap or hip-hop artist not already on the Graffiti Wall, and you should get a freebie. Write the name of an unsung or long-forgotten hero, and you could get something special. Buy anything in the shop, and say BBM and you get a 10% discount. Expect some celebs and artists 10am-6pm. Deal Real Records, 3 Marlborough Court, London W1F 7EF.
                      Wednesday 14, 28: Club: Academy Of Urban Music Jam Sessions: You can check out the hot sounds of hip-hop, soul and funk every other Wednesday. The sessions are aimed at established and up and coming musicians. The jam sessions will be a platform for the first music collective based in North London. The Jam sessions will also encourage networking activities among musicians and producers, as well as getting people interested in our ongoing programme of advice and business support to gain entrance into the music industry. The session, which began with a seminar featuring Sway, and a live set featuring ex-JBer Fred Wesley, is brought to you courtesy of Collage Arts. It supports the BBMM ethos of pro-British black music. Includes open mic and house band. Compere is Spoonface. Free. 7-12pm. Karamel Club, Chocolate Factory 2, 4 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UJ.
                        Thursday June 15, 22: Legal surgery: The Independent Label Scheme For BBM Subscribers. To succeed in the music industry, after the creative talent, comes solid business and legal knowledge and backing. Dean Marsh & Co. are offering a free legal and business one-to-one surgeries exclusively to BBM subscribers on the dates highlighted above. So if you're an artist, writer, producer, budding label owner or publisher, or even if you've been in business for some time, can you afford to pass up on this great opportunity to ask music industry lawyers questions to help develop your business? You also get a discount on the ILS paid for packages. 10am-5pm (when you book, you'll be able to choose your slot).
                        Thursday June 22: POSTPONED TO LATE SUMMER!!
Club/live: Black Rock Concert. This session is to highlight the fact that rock is part of black music. Come and bop to some funky and power chord records, plus live music by the likes of The Thirst and Kyrb Grinder. Non-smoking club, with reasonably-priced bar, and quiet space for talking and networking. Brought to you in association with Collage Arts. 7-8pm: Networking space, 8-12pm: Club/live session. Karamel Club, Chocolate Factory 2, 4 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UJ.
           Saturday June 24. Workshop: Music Success 101. Learn how to use your talents and make money from it on the motivational InnerRhythm Music Success 101 workshop with Kavit Haria. It's a small class, so get your ticket soon. BBM has one free ticket - check out Competitions & Offers on the new website. Doors open 12.30pm, event 1-5pm. £35. To book: www.innerrhythm.org/seminar.html. Oasis North London, Unit 2000 Regis Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 3EW.
  Monday June 26: Summit: Where Is British Black Music On Radio, In The Shops, And Live? This summit, backed by the London Mayor's Office, intends bringing together consumers, artists, music and media industry personnel, plus policy makers and other gate-keepers, with a view of discussing, and coming up with strategies to support and develop the British black music sector. Remember, what's good for the British black music sector, is good for London, and the British economy! Panellists to be confirmed closer to event date. 6-8.30pm. Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, More London, London SE1 2AA.
                          businessofmusic.net

 

Tuesday June 27: Training: Music Industry Speed Learning™. For anyone short on time but very keen to acquire a good grasp of the music industry, this innovative programme delivered in one afternoon guarantees giving each participant a new understanding of the British music industry and how the main parts works. Topics like copyright, contracts, marketing, income stream, music publishing, collection societies and trade bodies, merchandising and licensing will all fall into place and make sense. The tutor is a qualified trainer with decades of music industry and teaching experience. Participants will be entitled to discounts on any businessofmusic.net consultancy. Brought to you in association with BTWSC, businessofmusic.net and Collage Arts. 1-5pm. £25. Collage Arts, Chocolate Factory 2, 4 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UJ.
                      Wednesday June 28: Workshop: Anatomy Of A British Black Music Trailblazing Album 2: Loose Ends' ‘A Little Spice’ (Virgin). Carl McIntosh and Loose Ends'  business team Tony Hall (manager), Jon Webster (marketing), Mick Clark (A&R) discuss how they broke Loose Ends’ influential debut album, which paved the way for a chart-topping career in the US. 6-8pm. Chair: Kwaku (BMC). Preceded by an introduction by BPI director of independent services Jon Webster, highlighting the fact that the BPI is happy to have small, independent labels, and the benefits of BPI membership. BPI, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JA.

  businessofmusic.net
Thursday June 29: Conference/exhibition/training: Music Industry Education @ London Calling. London Calling is the dynamic new international event for artists, managers, labels, service providers, brands and the new companies building The Future of Music Business. There will be key music and multi-media/digital platform exhibitors, loads of workshops seminars, and useful networking opportunities, plus live showcases around London. BBM's Kwaku will be delivering a mini Music Industry Speed Learning in which you can gain useful music industry knowledge, and more in less than one hour! 11-11.45pm. London Calling takes place June 29-30 June, 10am-8pm. AAA delegates (before end of May: £150.40, from June 1: £291.40), AAA members (of all the major industry bodies; or quote BBM) for (before end of May: £115.15, from June 1: £173.90), or exhibition only (before end of May: £29.38, from June 1: £52.88). Earls Court,  London SW5 9TA.
                Subaltern Soundz Thurs: Workshop: Imagining Radio. Subaltern Soundz in association with BMC present a practical radio workshop themed around the current and historical importance of black music and its role in British radio. Part of the session will be geared to examining what's needed, if the objectives of the BMC - to provide a sustainable platform in the industry for supporters, enthusiasts and practitioners of black music - are to be realised.  2-6pm. Room H103, Connaught House, London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE. To book: thomas.oladokun@googlemail.com.
                Friday June 30: Discussion: History: Hair Styles & The Lovers Rock Story. A 2-part audio-visual programme officially rounds off BBM in a fun and celebratory manner! It starts with Hair Story, a look at, and discussion on, black hair styles as symbols of music. Think of the Afro, dreadlock, bald-head... backed by India Arie's 'I'm Not My Hair'. The Lovers Rock Story allows those that were there at the beginning, and those carrying the lovers rock flag, to give an historical and economical context to to this enduring British reggae sub-genre. Panellists include Carroll Thompson (singer), Janet Kay (singer),  Neil 'Mad Professor' Fraser (producer via video), Dawn Penn (singer), Peter Harris (Lovers Rock/Kickin Music), Dennis Bovell (producer via video). Council Chamber, Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2UL. 6-9pm
That's the official end of British Black Music Month 2006. Thanks to all our facilitators, partners, well-wishers, plus support from:
That's not all folks - there are some post-BBMM activities for BBM subscribers to check out:
uhhslogo.jpg July 2-July 22: Summit/workshops/debates: UK Hip Hop Summit. Blak Twang, Ty, Skinnyman, Jonzi D, Tim Kash, Ice T, Melle Mel, Afrika Bambaataa, Shystie, and many more can be expected to join this summit, which brings US and UK artists and industryites to lock heads in order to learn from each side of the Atlantic, and help develop the British hip-hop scene. Includes workshops, debates, and club action across London. One night will see performances from Scottish, Welsh, and Irish acts, another will be dedicated to women in hip-hop, while a third night will be dedicated to tru skool hip-hop pioneers. Supported here by the likes of University Of Westminster, and the BMC is set to get involved with the talks programme. On Saturday 15 July a London Community Summit will be held at the Islington Carling Academy. The day will give youngsters the opportunity to learn about the mechanics of the music industry and discover new careers behind the music industry scene. The main UHHS Summit will take place on Sunday 16 July at the Forum, Kentish Town. The UHHS Summit, hosted by hip-hop veteran Ice T and New Nation’s Akosua, will discuss topics including Reality vs. MTV, Entrepreneurial Motivation, What is UK Hip Hop/Grime, Global Entertainment Business, Integrity Vs Business, and The Art of Hip Hop, to name a few. Check http://ukhiphopsummit.tripod.com for more info.
Sunday August 20. Club: G Mag Launch. As you should know by now, Gargamel magazine is now a free bi-monthly known simply as G Mag. The second issue May/June is out now, though sadly without any contribution from yours truly. Expect lots of things Africany, soulful, hip-hoppy, and businessey from moi in the July/August ish. Anyway, G Mag officially launches with a free bash, which you should not miss. There will be celebs, the album launch of reggae singer Causion’s ‘One Life To Live’ (Upstairs), and pumping music - joining editor/publisher Melissa 'DJ Cameo' Sinclair and other G Mag scribes on the decks will be Kwaku, who will be playing his second public DJing set this century, spinning African music and British Black Music Pressure! 8pm-till late. Moonlighting Nighclub, Greek Street, London W1D 4DR
September 8-9: Conference/exhibition: British Music Week. The second British Music Week is (BMW) the music industry confab of the autumn. It covers all forms of genres and aspects of the music industry. However, on September 9 the  BMW presents the 4th annual Urban Music Conference. The conference is the premier event for the industry's who's who to network, share knowledge with savvy speakers, must-attend panels, skills-sharpening workshops, and discover new talent! Kwaku and BBM/BMC will be helping to run things, as they say. Confirmed speakers include David Robey (Managing Editor, BBC 94.9 London), Andrew Wilding (Director of Music , Cable & Wireless), Vic Salmon (Vice President & AR of Warner Music International), Beth Appleton (VP of V2 Music), Gabriel Levy (Head of Music of Real Networks). We have 20 free delegate passes worth £345 each which we'll offer in a raffle in June on the BMM website.  0870 743 6653. www.britishmusicweek.cominfo@britishmusicweek.com. The Mermaid Conference & Events Centre, Puddle Dock, Blackfriars, London EC4V 3DB.
British Black Music Month is a Black Music Congress initiative organised by BritishBlackMusic.com. T: 020 8450 5987. E: editor@britishblackmusic.com.                          W:  www.britishblackmusic.com, www.bbm-on.net P: P O Box 14092, London NW10 1WL