THE FUTURE OF STAND-UP COMEDY IS COMING: CCA SHOWCASE – 12 OCTOBER 2013

THE FUTURE OF STAND-UP COMEDY IS COMING: CCA SHOWCASE – 12 OCTOBER 2013

AL BAIRRE TO OPEN VODACOM IN THE CITY

AL BAIRRE

 TO ‘OPEN THE CITY’ AT

VODACOM IN THE CITY

 

 THE FIVE-PIECE INDIE SYMPHONIC ROCK ACT 

TO PLAY ALONGSIDE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL LINE-UP

After two weeks of stiff online competition and over 18 000 votes received from the public,Al Bairre have come out victorious and have earned the right to ‘Open The City’ at this year’s Vodacom In The City. The annual event featuring a stellar international line-up alt-J, The Hives, Boys Noize and Skunk Anansie takes place on the 4^th of October at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg.

After a grueling judging session to determine the five finalists for the ‘Open The City’ competition, Vodacom then launched a competition where the public vote for their favourite act to perform at Vodacom In The City. The nominated bands; aKing, Beatenberg, Al Bairre, Monark and Aztec Sapphire were pitted against each other to rally up the most public votes from their fans. The band with the most votes not only would perform at Vodacom In The City, but will also be flown to Rocking the Daisies in the Western Cape to perform to 15 000 fans.

Lead guitarist, Kyle Davis, from the band had the following to say after the band heard the fantastic news; ‘Tessa just fainted into a coffee table, Julia is trying to do a hand stand, Tom and Nic are double high fiving repeatedly and I fist pumped a light out and then threw up from the excitement.’

Proving that hard work and ‘thinking out of the box’ pays off, Al Bairre created many DIY routes online enticing their fans to vote for them. Why not come and see what the one of the most talked about bands in the country at the moment have up their sleeve for Vodacom In The City on the 4^th of October 2013. The band will jet off immediately after Vodacom In The City to perform at the sold out Rocking the Daisies taking place on Kloof Wine Estate in Darling from 3 – 6 October 2013.

Event Information:

Event Info: www.inthecityjhb.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheCityJHB

Twitter: @InTheCityJHB #VITC2013

Tickets: Webtickets: http://webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=404861524

General admission: R360

VIP (includes food and complimentary drinks): R900

Doors open: 18:00

Vodacom In the City is a Seed Experience:

Like us on FB: /SeedExperiences

Follow us on Twitter: @SeedExperiences

And watch us on YouTube: /user/weareseed1

Website: www.weareseed.co.za

About Vodacom

Vodacom is an African mobile communications company providing voice, messaging, data and converged services to around 50 million active customers.

RIHANNA SA TOUR: SUPPORT ACT ANNOUNCED

RIHANNA SA TOUR

SUPPORT ACT ANNOUNCED

 

Rihanna Rocks the House at Two Sold-Out Macao Shows

 

TOUR CONTINUES WITH SHOWS IN MANILA, SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA, ABU DHABI, TEL AVIV, PUNTA CANA, SAN JUAN AND BARBADOS BEFORE RETURNING TO THE U.S. FOR THE

FINAL CONCERTS OF THIS TOUR.

 

13^th October – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

16^th October – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

 

Tickets on sale NOW from Big Concerts and Computicket

  

Over four billion views confirmed on video streaming site VEVO.

“Take a Bow” is Rihanna’s 15th video to hit over 100 million views

Wednesday, September 18, 2013. South Africa

When the Diamonds World Tour opened earlier this year, La Vanguardia raved that the show was “Majestic & Dazzling” and that the Barbadian singer made people dance so hard that the stands of the arena were shaking.”

RIHANNA

The hugely successful DIAMONDS WORLD TOUR which kicked off again on September 13^th with two sold out performances in China once again had exuberant fans dancing in the aisles.

Tickets for the 13^th October performance in Johannesburg at FNB Stadium, and 16^th October in Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium are available now at Big Concerts and Computicket.

With non-stop hits and accompanied by 15 dancers, backup singers and musicians, Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour is a smashing success with fans world-wide. The tour continues through November with concerts confirmed in South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Israel, the Dominican Republic, Porto Rico and home town Barbados before returning to North America where the tour will wrap November 15^th in New Orleans.

And that’s not all… having already claimed the title of the most-viewed artist on the platform earlier in the year, Rihanna – the “#1 Person On Facebook” has reached another milestone with over four billion views confirmed on the video streaming site Vevo.

RIHANNA

The recipient of six Grammy Awards® and seven Billboard Music Awards, Rihanna has sold over 41 million albums and 150 million digital tracks worldwide, and currently holds the record as the top-selling digital artist of all time.  With over 74 million Facebook fans and over 30 million Twitter followers, Forbes named Rihanna the world’s #1 social media star and the “Vevo Empress” has just reached another milestone with over 4 billion views on YouTube/VEVO, the most ever for any artist. 

Her 7^th studio album UNAPOLOGETIC for Island Def Jam in just seven years has become her 6^th Platinum in the USA and she continues to dominate global charts with “Diamonds,” the fastest-rising single of her career to date, “Stay” and has just released a remix of “What Now.”

And just confirmed, following their successful run throughout Europe, Diamonds World Tour has just confirmed guests GTA as support for the balance of the concert dates through 2013.  For GTA information, visit:  http://lifeandtimes.com/gta-presents-death-to-genres-vol-3-made-in-america-mixtape.

Rihanna Diamonds World Tour is promoted world-wide by Live Nation Global Touring.

GTA: BIO INFORMATON

GTA

 

Matt Toth and Julio Mejia make up the dynamic duo. Dedicated to their music, they stay holed up in their bedroom studio building beats that can set off any kind of dance floor. Producers without borders, their catalogue of sounds span the gamut without limitations. They’ll experiment with trap music, house, moombahton, funky electro, booty bass, salsa, big room, anything they can put their flavor on. With “Death to Genres” as their battle cry, their mission is to set the room on fire and get all the asses clapping, every time.

GTA’s future sound has them sought after some of the biggest names in the dance music game. They’ve had releases on Diplo’s Mad Decent, Laidback Luke’s Mixmash and A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold Records. They’ve remixed various artists from all genres, including Michael Woods, Trinidad James, Deadmau5, Wolfgang

Gartner, Clockwork, Laidback Luke and A-Trak.

Armed with endless creativity, a tireless work ethic and a fierce dedication to their craft, GTA are carving their name into the minds of dance floors freaks everywhere, and you can count on them to deliver the goods, each and every time.

To provide a teaser of what’s set to come for fans, GTA have released the next volume of their much-loved series of mixes, ‘Death to Genres’. Titled ‘Vol. 3 Made in America, the mix is influenced by some of the fellow artists that joined the Miami pair at Jay Z’s very own curated festival, Made in America, across Labor Day weekend. The artwork, designed by seven-year-old rap portraitist, Yung Lenox, fits in perfectly with the genre-less and playful vibe evident throughout the hour long mix.

GTA PRESENT ‘DEATH TO GENRES’ – VOL. 3 MADE IN AMERICA EXCLUSIVELY ON LIFE + TIMES

http://lifeandtimes.com/gta-presents-death-to-genres-vol-3-made-in-america-mixtape

 

GTA

 

RIHANNA SA TOUR: SUPPORT ACT ANNOUNCED

SOME INFO ABOUT MIKE CRAFT & TERRY UTTLEY OF SMOKIE

SOME INFO ABOUT MIKE CRAFT 

& 

TERRY UTTLEY OF SMOKIE

Mike Craft

Lead singer Mike Craft is the unmistakable voice of Smokie. When he joined the band in 1995 it was a tall order to follow in the footsteps of Alan Barton, who was so tragically killed in a road accident while the band were on tour in Germany. Yet Mike has achieved what many Smokie fans described as mission impossible. He has stamped his own voice and character on the band's unique stage and studio sound.

He quickly established himself as a gifted front man, building an instant rapport with audiences and developing a distinctive style.

Like Smokie itself, Mike's own origins are in Bradford. He was actually born 60 miles to the east in Hull but moved to West Yorkshire and has remained there ever since. He has worked for most of his adult life in the world of music and the entertainment industry. He had worked for a travel agent, a radio station and a record company whilst developing his own career as a performer. In addition to his undoubted singing talent he is also a gifted mimic and a natural comic. When the band and their crew are on tour Mike is the one most likely to bring a smile to everyone's face with an impression or a gag. He loves to entertain but anyone who knows him will also tell you that he is a deep thinker, with a lively interest in anything and everything. "Six years ago I would never in my wildest dreams have imagined how many wonderful things were going to happen with Smokie. I've lost count of the number of different countries we've been to and I love seeing the world and enjoying the different cultures," he said. "I've loved the emotional roller-coaster of performing live on stage. The feedback we get from our fans is magnificent. We've had some incredibly happy times and I don't mind admitting that on occasions I've cried for joy.

"One of the most emotional moments came in Beijing. We'd had lots of problems with the concert venue and organisers in China and we didn't know for sure that it would go ahead until a few hours before hand. There was also uncertainty about how a Chinese audience would react to us. We needn't have worried. They gave us a fantastic reception and when some young girls presented us with flowers on the stage I have to admit I was close to tears.

"When I joined the band I realised what a difficult task I faced, but from the outset I had absolutely total support, dedication and love from the rest of the guys, their friends and contacts around the world and of course the fans. "Enthusiasm, dedication and, above all, a genuine love of what we do are the key factors behind our success. We love nothing more than playing live on stage to an audience full of Smokie fans, old and new. It's difficult to put into words the sort of buzz we get from that. It's something really special and it makes it so worthwhile. "I honestly believe we get better and better with each performance. Yes we've got bags of experience and we've played hundreds of concerts but each one is a new experience and a different audience and we never give anything less than 100 per-cent.

"In a way we're a bit like a football team. We've got a great set of people behind us making sure everything is right when we're on stage. We're all great friends and it really is a team effort. It's not often we get the opportunity to thank all those people publicly for the fabulous job they do, so I'd like to place that on record right here and now." Off stage Mike loves his gadgets and his sport. When he is on tour he combines those obsessions. Wherever he is around the world you can guarantee his hotel bedroom will be festooned with an array of computer and electrical equipment, much of which he takes on tour to help him keep in touch with his beloved football team Bradford City.

He is currently recovering from the disappointment of seeing City relegated from the Premiership but admits the two years the Bantams have been in the top flight have been a great experience. "We'll bounce back," he said. "We've got some great players and I think the experience they've had in the Premiership and their thirst to get back there will give the club a great chance to get promoted from Division One at the first attempt."

Mike says he sometimes pinches himself when he thinks what Smokie have achieved in the last couple of years. "We've been to more new countries, had a fantastic UK tour, seen the Uncovered album do incredibly well and been on loads of TV shows. The momentum of Smokie seems to getting faster all the time. "Thanks to everyone we're busier than ever. My heart goes out to all our fabulous fans."

Terry Uttley

It's been another fabulous year for Smokie and the future looks great', says the man who was a founder member of the band back in the 1970's.

Terry was a pupil at St. Bede's School in Bradford when the group was first formed under a different name. Originally they were called The Elizabethans, and then became known as Kindness, before the name Smokie was finally adopted. The other founder members left the band in a variety of circumstances over the years but Terry remains as the 'daddy' of the band, having been a professional musician now for over 30 years. He has spent all that time with Smokie, apart from a short spell in the 1980's when the band was briefly disbanded.

Understandably he has been a major influence on Smokie's remarkable progress over the years and remains the figurehead of the group as they continue to break new ground. 'If someone had said to me when I was at St. Bede's that I'd still be playing with Smokie, touring the world and recording new albums in the new millennium, I would have said they must be mad!' he says. 'But I can honestly say that I still get that same buzz on stage from playing live in front of a huge audience that I've always had. I suppose if that ever went, it would be time to call it a day. However, I don't see that happening. We've had some real highs recently, and when we came off stage in Beijing last September, it was one of the greatest highs of the lot.' 'You can't put into words really how it feels to get a reception like that from an audience. It's a unique feeling and one that makes everything worthwhile'.

'I've had a real buzz too from the work we've done in the recording studio. Uncovered was an album I was very proud of. We took a long time selecting the tracks and I was delighted by the sound, and of course by the fantastic sales across Europe'.

'Another major plus for Smokie this year has been the opportunity to get back out on the road in the UK. We've been so busy touring the world for the last few years that we haven't had time to do anything other than the odd concert here and there back home. 'Again the audiences were tremendous and we enjoyed it so much that we're now planning to ensure we do a short UK tour each year from now on. So, all things considered it has been a hectic, but highly enjoyable time for us and I know there is more to come.

'We're about to bring out Uncovered 2 and I believe both our studio sound, and live sound is stronger than it's ever been. I'm a very lucky man. I am able to do something that I really enjoy and earn a living along the way.

'All of us in Smokie are genuinely grateful to our thousands of fans all over the world. They are the folk we do it for. Without their brilliant support we wouldn't be here, it's as simple as that. 'Smokie has been a complete way of life for me. I've had the joy of working with a great bunch of people and we still have time for a lot of fun along the way even when the workload is heavy. 'Even though the band has changed at times over the years Smokie has continually got stronger. The band as a whole is greater than any individual and that includes me, even though I've been in the band from the very start.

'I owe the fans a huge debt of gratitude - the support we've had over the years from fans old and new has been unbelievable. It hasn't all been plain sailing, we've had our difficult times and our tragic times, but Smokie's ability to bounce back never ceases to amaze me.'

Away from the spotlight Terry is equally proud of his family. He still lives near Bradford with his wife Shirley. They have two daughters, Lisa and Holly.

CAPE TOWN EAGERLY AWAITS RIHANNA'S CONCERT

CAPE TOWN EAGERLY AWAITS RIHANNA'S CONCERT

Rihanna is now the soundtrack of Cape Town. Ever since the announcement of the Diamonds Tour, Capetonians have gone Rihanna-mad. Many compare the anticipation to that of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Every club has turned Rihanna’s songs into anthems of the night, and her  tracks can be heard blasting in public places, parks, stations, trains, taxis, bars, cafés … everywhere!

“We can’t wait for this lady to be here,” a funky twenty-something blurts out in the coffee queue at a trendy café by Green Market Square. I panic at first, not knowing who she is talking about.  I look around, thinking maybe she is anxious because the line is moving so slowly.

As she laughingly clues me in, a group of teenage passersby stop to inform us they bought their  tickets long ago and keep them safely hidden. “I guard my ticket with my life,” one declares.” I bought it minutes after they went on sale at Computicket. This is my first concert.”

I am reminded of a friend who is yet to experience his first concert in South Africa, who is excited about the concert and nowadays all he tweets about is Rihanna. “I know this concert will be one of the highlights of my life. Coming from the rural Caprivi region of Namibia I always thought Rihanna is one of those people that I will only see on TV and magazines. Now I am being given a chance.”

The Mother City Rihanna’s fans are eagerly waiting for the Caribbean star ‘s touch down. Some even went as far as joining her in Johannesburg where she will be performing a few days before.

Capetonians may be laid-back most of the time, but they are not blasé about this concert. That makes them no different from the rest of the world. According to Big Concerts, Rihanna is the recipient of six Grammy Awards and seven Billboard Music Awards. The snub-nosed star has sold over 41 million albums and 150 million digital tracks worldwide, and holds the record as the top-selling digital artist of all time.

Forbes named Rihanna the world’s #1 social media star with over 2.9 billion views on YouTube/VEVO, the most-ever for any female artist. She has an astonishing 63 million Facebook fans, and over 27 million Twitter followers. In addition to her 12 Hot 100 #1 singles and overall 24 Top 10 singles, she also has had18 #1 singles on the Billboard Dance Club Song Charts.

Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour looks lie it will be another smashing success in Cape Town as well as around the world. At the Cape town Stadium on 16 October she will deliver her hits non-stop, accompanied by 15 dancers, backup singers and musicians. Tickets for this concert are available at Computicket. 

Written by DK EXPRESSIONS™ "Time Traveller" 

Jacob Nthoiwa