A STITCH IN TIME
A crafty new co-operative opens up onto the fair streets of Kemptown next Saturday 17th. For those of us who revel in the unique charm of hand-crafted goods, the Handmade Co-op may just be the ticket. Featuring twenty local artists’ work in-store, from silver-smithing to screen-printing, these guys make it all, sometimes in the shop too. There’s also a downstairs space set aside for holding workshops in different crafting techniques and other happenings coming soon, for more info visit http://handmadeco-op.blogspot.com
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
Sponsors of the Brighton marathon Olympus are offering three lucky winners a brand new camera for whosoever takes the best photographs of the day. There are three categories : the Open competition for best general photograph, Mobile phone photos and Under 16s. Simply send in your shots, working around the themes of Athleticism, Elation, Blood-sweat-and-tears to name a few, and send five of the best into [email protected] by 30th April. The best images will feature in What Digital Camera magazine.
TAP INTO THIS
It’s been three years since the idea was born, but this August Brighton resident Angus Macfadyen will be swimming across the British Channel, no mean feat for a previous non-swimmer. Angus aims to raise an ambitious £14,000 for the Lawrence’s Roundabout Well Appeal. There are many ways to donate to this worthy cause, from a cabaret night at Rendezvous Casino to a South Eastern Schools’ Art Competition for the best piece depicting the Great Swim. Find out more – www.channelangus.co.uk
MACCABEES SET TO BEGIN THIRD ALBUM
After touring extensively in support of their album Wall Of Arms, The Maccabees are temporarily disappearing from view to write and record their third album. Don’t be too disheartened though, as the local lads can be seen at Lovebox, Latitude and the mainstage of Reading and Leeds festivals, where they plan to perform a few new numbers. Having played live with the likes of I Am Kloot singer Johnny Bramwell and Roots Manuva on Empty Vessels, expect exciting future sounds.
NEW OUTFIT IN MIND
Leading mental health charity Mind has set up shop in St James Street with some fine goods in tow. Fashion students from UCA have designed outfits for the store, as well as sprucing up the interior to create a glorious charity shop boutique. A bit of celebrity name-dropping is in order too, as Norman Cook donates a Stussy jacket plus others whose items are all up for private bid through the store. Auction ends today, so get down there quick-sharp.
THE THREE AND TEN’S A RIGHT LAUGH
The Three And Ten has been awarded the title of ‘Best Venue In The South’ from prestigious comedy website Chortle. The venues were selected from a panel of the Industry to-do before being put to public vote via the website. Artistic Director Nicola Haydn says of the award, “it’s just great to have what we do validated”. The pub having humble beginnings to becoming a much respected arts venue, check out what they have in store for Brighton Fringe Festival.
RECORD OF THE YEAR
Here in Brighton we praise and rejoice in all that is independent, be it in retail, coffee shops or spirit. So, what better way to carry on this sentiment than with joining in on National Record Store Day, Saturday 17. Exclusive releases will be winging their way to independent only record shops across our fair town and beyond to celebrate. All records are exclusive to the event, so get down there early to get a copy. Check it out here www.recordstoreday.com
STYLISH CONVERSATION
As part of the Brighton Fringe, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and the Design Museum have teamed up to tell us about all things design Italiano. Focusing on the classic design and rationale of Italian car models, the talk is introduced by vehicular design author Andrew Nahum. Come to the Basement on Wednesday 12th and contemplate these classic auto innovations with key figures of contemporary Italian design as James Irvine, Mario Bellini, Antonio Citterio and Roberto Giolito take us through the motions.
EXPRESS-O YOURSELF
Since its inception in 1992 by Matteo Thun, the Illy porcelain espresso cup has undergone many guises. Like a blank canvas, Coffee brand Illy have invited over 70 artists from around the world, both big names like Jeff Koons to director Pedro Almodovar alongside new talents, to create their own unique sets of cups. From 16-29 June, come and drink up the creativity at the STRADA restaurant in Brighton Marina for free every day of the week and be inspired.
GEISHA GETS ARTY
29th April – 1st May sees Madame Geisha’s re-emerge as a happening space for the most cutting edge urban artists. The three-day launch extravaganza in aid of the International Childcare Trust plays host to renowned artists Goldie, Matt Small and Zac Walsh to name a few, working to the beats of Ninja Tunes’ Andreya Triana and The Dandylions. Kids are also invited to get stuck in with making their own works of art to hang in the exhibition.
BLEEDING HEARTS AND NEW BEGINNINGS
What started out as a successful night at The Prince Albert, promoters of The Bleeding Hearts Club have gone into the record label business. In their sincere interest to showcase the very best of Brighton’s downbeat folk acts, Bleeding Heart Recordings will be releasing The Robot Hearts’ debut six-track mini-album Dust. Coming out on CD and 10″ Vinyl Monday 31st, the Launch Party at The Hanbury Club precedes it on Tuesday 25th with support from Sam Genders, formerly of Tunng.
OH SO SIMPLY FABULOUS
Back for the summer season, OHSO Social flings open it’s doors once again for a summer of bangin’ through to blissed out tunes. Get Involved promotions will be hosting the floor every Friday and Saturday night and any other time the sun filters through at the late night beachfront bar. Getting the party started from 6pm to 2am. Kickback on the terrace and sun yourself with some scorchin’ tracks. Ah yeah.