HERO TO ZERO
As Brighton venues continue to topple like dominos, New Hero appears to be the latest to join the ranks of locked doors and P45s. We’re not exactly sure what’s happened there – it’s not going to get turned into a Tesco and there’s no report of noise problems - it just seems like there’s been ongoing problems with landlords and management, who appear to have resigned just as a massive facelift to the nights and promoters was getting underway. Hopefully something will get sorted out before too long, although the official line seems to be that it will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
TIP TOP TOP LIPS
November’s arrival signals another month of facial topiary in aid of prostate cancer awareness – yes, it’s Movember once again. For the uninitiated, this means a month of moustache growing for gents and possibly Veet-avoidance for the ladies as well. The movember.com website has all the details you need to register, alongside grooming tips, events and competitions. Get growing, get yourself sponsored and raise some dough for a good cause.
CONCORDE CATWALK
BrightonLovesFashion is a showcase for the work of five local fashion designers including recent Brighton University graduates, in aid of Brighton Women’s Centre. The Concorde gives up its Sunday on the 7th for this show planned, promoted and produced entirely through voluntary work and contributions; complete with a local make-up artist and local music. Promising a glitzy night of VIP tickets, theatrical outfits, and a smug, do-good feeling in the pit of your stomach, there are much worse (and less worthwhile) ways to spend your post-roast Sunday.
BIG GIG WINS
Recognising talent in all areas of the music industry, the Live UK Music Business Awards has awarded not one-but two categories to our great city. Josh Dean of Family Entertainments bagged Best Indie promoter while the Concorde 2 claimed the oddly titled but highly sort after Best Venue Teamwork (Under 800 Capacity). It just goes to show that despite venue closures and noise abatement notices being banded around like flyers; Brighton’s still highly regarded for putting on some of the best shows around. Congratulations guys, here’s to another good year for music in Brighton.
GARLANDS FOR JUDY
Coming to town on Sunday 7th is Judy Berger, leading the vintage fash-pack at Brighton racecourse for Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair. ‘Old clothing isn’t old hat’ says Berger, and rightly so, with even Daisy Lowe racing through the rails when she set up shop at Vintage at Goodwood this year. Having wowed each city in turn on her tour of the country, with labels like Dior, Ossie Clarke and YSL hidden among the rest, we advise on getting an early bird ticket to get you in at 11am to snap up those gems first.
GRUB PRIZE GRAB
We all know how much us Brightonians love our food, so it comes as no surprise that three out of the six young chefs of Sussex are from our fair city. Daniel Whittle, 21, of Temptations Cafe (where we had a delectable fry-up a few issues back) will be competing along with Will Stayner, 25, from Hotel Du Vin and Simon Duncan, 20, from Sam’s Of Brighton. All have a rep for being pretty darn good -let’s hope they make it through the live cook-off round Tuesday 9th where they will be serving a three-course meal for the judges.
TUNE TEACHING
If you want to get involved in making music, head down to Access To Music’s open day on Saturday 20th at Scream Studios. ATM run Digital and Performing Musician courses, mentoring the students and giving them the opportunity to earn their stripes gigging around town. Workshops and masterclasses help round the individual into a lean, mean, record-selling machine, and you don’t need armfuls of GCSEs to get in, just a passion for music. Britpop historians will be interested to note that Martin Rossiter out of Gene teaches there. Go to www.accesstomusic.co.uk for more info.
BEER ETC
Beer festivals can sometimes be a bit snobbish real ale aficionado affairs, but this one, running from 25th-28th in a heated marquee next to the West Pier has cheerfully thrown open its doors to Stella, Heineken and Guinness as well as local microbreweries, and even spirits, cocktails and wine for the ladies. Hog roasts and food stands make it a very decent day out indeed – leave your pipe and knitted sweater at home. See www.beerfestbrighton.co.uk for more ale info.
WORDS BY NICK COQUET, JESSICA MARSHALL MCHATTIE, LYDIA STOCKBRIDGE
