Not Avon Barksdale from 'The Wire'

New Brighton night Beat Redemption has sure got me excited about their next event in March. The inaugural one at the back end of January was a stonking success with a packed out crowd shovelling the deepest depths of bass marshalled by Hyperdub’s Kode9 and Cooly G. Concorde’s system pounded like I haven’t heard it in a while.

The next one on 12th March will be headlined by Los Angeles’ beat maestro, retro computer game enthusiast, jazz legend nephew and premiere orgasm inducer to radio 1’s Mary Anne Hobbes. Oh, he also has a big hand in LA record label Brainfeeder (Ras G, Gaslamp Killer, Nosaj Thing, TOKiMONSTA).  Flying Lotus has a new album out in May, which said radio 1 dj is getting her knickers very twisted over. He’s been confirmed for Bestival and before that he’ll be a Butlin’s weekender BLOC. All in all, his shit is red hot!

If that wasn’t enough the promoters have also crammed a couple of other quite capable headliners on to the bill. Dutch dub man Martyn (author of recent fabric50) will be doing a 90-minute set. Then there’s a live performance from King Midas Sound which is musical alter-ego of The Bug (skeng!).  All that and a load of other stuff including Greena from Bristol’s Apple Pips playing in the front room. Check here for all the details.

See you in the dub-pit.

Debruit

The Donky Pitch crew return for 2010 with another line-up blending hip-hop, dubstep and all things electronica which is both heavy on cutting-edge experimentation and also damn good fun to dance to!  They’ve lined up two live performances; headlining will be Paris-based Debruit and Brighton-based “Skwee” producer Boss Kite will play his debut live show.  On top of that you get arch-dancefloor destroyer and Donky resident DJ Slugabed. For bio’s read below.

Donky Pitch return to the Jazz Place in Ship Street on Thurs 18th Feb.

And if you love/like/are curious/don’t-know-what-the-hell-it-is-but-think-it-sounds-funny Donky Pitch will also be holding a screening of the film “We Call It Skwee”.  Its at The Globe pub on Tues 2nd Feb from 8pm with Donky Pitch DJs playing their favourite ‘Skwee’ tunes subsequently.

Slugabed’s squashed 8-bit hip hop and lo-fi mangled beat structures have earned him releases on Glasgow’s Stuff Records (Rustie) and Ramp Recordings (Zomby, Fying Lotus, Ras G). He also has a debut EP for Planet Mu (Starkey, Boxcutter, Milanese), Ultra Heat Treated, forthcoming this month, all at the youthful age of 20. If you’ve made it down to DP before or if if you’ve caught this man in a club somewhere else in the world, you’ll know why we made him resident, if you haven’t … Check out his recent mix for Rob Booth’s influential Radio Show Electronic Explorations

(Donky Pitch)
myspace.com/506166353
soundcloud.com/bosskite

Boss Kite, aka local Brighton chap Ross Flight, is a victim of Skweee. Like the rest of the Donky Pitch family Ross fell in love with this Scandinavian phenomena on first listen and in the 9 months since he has been knee deep in synths and computer programs forging his own melodic take on this ’synthetic funk.’  “I started making Skweee music because I really wanted to be part of something I thought was exciting, fresh and completely unlike most electronic music that was coming out of the UK at the time. The simplicity of the sounds really grabbed me and I found a strange sort of personality in the music that was different in every Skweee track I heard.” The results of his labour have gained him recognition from the rest of the burgeoning Skweee community around the world, and we’re really pleased he’s chosen to share it with us first.

When you’re thinking of festivals, October isn’t the month that comes to mind is it? However, in our grand fair city by the sea, which plays hostess-with-the-mostest to something ridiculous like over 150 festivals throughout the year, there is never downtime when there is plenty of play and frolics to be had.

This month sees Rising Styles Festival, UK’s Largest Celebration of International Hip-Hop Culture (1-4 October); Brighton & Hove Black History Month (3 October – 3 November); White Night (25 October); and Brighton Live (29 September – 3 October).

The majority of the events are free and accessible so please check their websites for a good eyeful of all the fantastic art, music and cultural opportunities on offer. Too good to pass up really.

Brighton Live 2009 is 5 days of free music events across the city of Brighton & Hove from Tuesday 29th September (launch party night) to Saturday 3rd October (seminars, workshops & master classes); – covering 20+ venues and showcasing 150+ local bands (yes, there are that many bands in the area & many more besides) to 20,000+ of you lovely lovely music lovers. It sprawls across Kemptown, the North Laine, South Laines, Hove and surprise venue the Casino at Brighton Marina.

“In a city with such a thriving music community, having an event like Brighton Live is a really important annual event.For most new and young bands the only time they get to play to strangers is the tired old ‘battle of the bands’ formula, which only really results in petty rivalries and bitterness. This way they still have to play out of their skins to keep the audience in their venue, but can also network with other bands they might not know and develop new contacts. And for the average gig-goer it is a win-win situation – to see lots of new local music, without forking out anything.”

– Duncan Hall – Brighton Argus

HAPPENING NOW! Get online and then get out.

Rising Styles Festival, UK’s Largest Celebration of International Hip-Hop Culture, was born from a hip hop dream, no budget and a prayer five years ago on our pebbly shores. Aided with the hard work of volunteers, the urban cultural showcase lives, albeit only spreading out over four days (rather than a whole month) from 1-4 October.

Short but sweet, the festival capitalises on all the successful events from previous years, bringing back the huge live event, the frieze box, rap slam, and battle jam, while also trying out new features such as ‘In Conversation’ strand, where the audience can interact with artists.

This year’s live event, UPRISING, has an awesome hip hop line up including Million Dan, The Infomatics, Kasha, Grit Grammar, DJ Kayper and more, all performing on the last day. The event is run by arts cultural agency http://www.kalaphool.com.

Check out www.risingstyles.com for all event information (including changes).

RISING STYLES 09 ALBUM – The yearly release of the best unsigned UK Hip Hop, supported by Excalibah. Now ready to download via http://www.suspect-packages.com/artists/r-t/RISING_STYLES.php

Journey On Night Rider @ White Night

Based on the French night-time event Nuit Blanche, Brighton’s White Night 2009 does its second stab at the festival on 24 October 2009.

For one night, the city becomes a playground and ordinary places become performance fodder: shopfronts become event backdrop, cafes become film screens, alleyways become concert halls and swimming pools become underwater orchesteras. Anything on a night like tonight is possible.

This year’s programme is yet to be finalised, but check the website closer to the evening. Last year’s programme included a sewer tour, a bicycle treasure hunt, outdoor films, dance performance, grafitti, art exhibitions with deck chairs, and model homes.

*Listings compiled by www.black-history.org.uk*

Saturday 3rd October *The Amazing Mrs. Seacole* Jubilee Library

* Voted the *Greatest Black Britain* in 2004*, *Mary Seacole* *is generally recognised for her nursing career during the Crimean War. Join Bert Williams and Althea Wolfe to discover more about this multi-talented Victorian lady) 2 – 3pm, no booking required * FREE

4, 11, 18, 25 October, *World Affairs Cinema * Jubilee Library

*Sunday afternoon screenings of some of the best modern films exploring love and romance across different cultures. Every Sunday throughout October at 1pm *(Free, includes free snacks, no booking required )

Saturday 10th October *Time & Place Exhibition * Brighton museum, South Balcony

*Brighton and Hove History (www.black-history.org.uk) present stories of women from the Caribbean and Guyana who came to Brighton to train as nurses from the 1950s-1970s.* Time and Place *runs from the 10thOctober-13 th December 2009.* Opening times: Tuesdays-Saturdays 10-5pm * FREE

Saturday 10th October* **Black History Bus*

(DEPARTS 11AM JUBILEE SQUARE) Free bus tour to local Black History landmarks 11-1pm FREE but must be pre-booked. Please call 01273 234835 or email: info@black-history.org.uk * FREE

Saturday 10th October *Contribution * Jubilee Square & library

FREE celebration event hosted by Brighton and Hove Black History with music, African and Caribbean food, exhibition of work by local Black artists, Black History exhibition, talks and exhibitions from local community groups, Black History debate and much more. 1.00pm-5pm * FREE

Saturday 10th October *Black History debate: “What is Black History and Why does it matter?”* Jubilee Library

Speakers Kofi Mawuli Klu , (Pan-Afrikan Taskforce for Internationalist Dialogue) and Dr.Alana Lentin (University of Sussex). Hosted by the All African students’ union link in Europe, University of Sussex. For more info email: aasulesussex@googlemail.com. 4-5pm* FREE

Sunday 11th October *Bert’s Bus for Young People *

A Brighton Black History Tour with Bert Williams, especially for Young People to discover the Black History in the town they live in. For young People aged 11+* *(For bookings and info please contact the Black and Minority Ethnic Young Peoples’ Project on (01273 229 381) *(FREE)*

Tuesday 13th October * Brighton Photo Fringe Photography * FRIESE-GREEN GALLERY, BRIGHTON MEDIA CENTRE

Project exhibition of photography from members of the local Black and Ethnic minority community on the themes of emotional well being and identity put together with the support of lead artist Edi Mandala. *Friese-Green Gallery, Brighton Media Centre, Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1AL. Runs Tuesday 13th October – Sunday 25th October Exhibition times: Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30, Sat-Sun 10-4pm * FREE

Thursday 15 October * Film screening: Grove Roots * University of Sussex * 5.15pm

Grove Roots is a film which traces the evolution of Ladbroke Grove from the 1958 race riots to the present day and is a gritty reflection of real people who live in the area. Featuring local musicians, artists, community workers and residents, the film tells the story of the Ladbroke Grove area from the 1958 race riots to the ethnically rich place it is today. For more info contact Abigail Brooks on 01273 876682 or email a.m.brook@sussex.ac.uk UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX, EDB 121 * FREE

Friday 16 October* **Film screening: Top Girl with Q+A with Director Rebecca Johnson* UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX * 1-2pm

Brixton Rude girls Donna and Felicia are inseparable best friends but aspiring MC Donna is unquestionably Top Girl. Truthful, tender and brutally comic, Top Girl tells the story of girls growing up in a man’s world. For more info contact Abigail Brooks on 01273 876682 or email : a.m.brook@sussex.ac.uk * FREE

Sunday 18 October *Caribbean Roots* JUBILEE LIBRARY* 2– 3.30pm

Are you interested in researching your West Indian family history? Come along to our talk and get expert advice from Guy Grannum of the National Archives. £3 includes refreshments, no booking required

Saturday 24thOctober *Bert’s Black History Bus*

(LEAVES JUBILEE SQUARE 11AM) Free bus tour to local Black History landmarks 11-1pm. FREE refreshments available after the tour from 1.30pm served the Jubilee Library learning room courtesy of the Brighton and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership. Tour is FREE but must be pre-booked. For bookings please call 01273 234835 or email: info@black-history.org.uk *FREE

Monday 26th October *Positive Hair Day Hair Care Workshop*SHAE SHAE CREATIONS, QUEENS ROAD, BRIGHTON * 6.30pm-8.30pm

Free workshop which aims to help people care for their Black and mixed heritage hair; open to Black and mixed heritage people and to any anyone working with or related to the above (parents and carers most welcome). Workshops are free but require a returnable deposit to a secure your place. To book please call (01273 230832) *FREE

Tuesday 27 October *Anansi Tales * 10 -12; 1-3; 3.15-5.15 *Jubilee Library

A fun family day of drama, storytelling and craft activities involving African folk hero Anansi the Spider * FREE

Wednesday 28th October *Kick Racism Out of Football Tournament* 67 CENTRE, MOUSLECOMB @12pm

Hosted by the Black and Minority Ethnic Young Peoples’ Project) There will also be African Food, African drumming, Black History Month Quiz, Art activities, Badge Making and prizes for participants in the five-aside Football Tournament. All Young People aged 11+ welcome 12pm *(FREE)*

Thursday 29 October *Children’s Film Show* JUBILEE LIBRARY *2pm

An award-winning animated film based on a magical West African fairytale. FREE

Thursday 29 October *Tribute to Black footballers in the UK Football Match* (SOUTHWICK FOOTBALL CLUB) 6pm for FREE food with 7.30pm kick off.

Hosted by Kopano Football Club in conjunction with Peter Koroma from the Brighton minority ethnic community partnership For more details please contact Wayne on 01273 230832 or email: artdecor2004@hotmail.com FREE

Thursday 29 October * Linda Bellos* UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX 6-7.30pm VENUE TBC*

Linda Bellos introduced Black History Month to the UK back in 1987 and is perhaps best known as a campaigner, political activist and former leader of Lambeth Council. She was the first Black woman to join the Spare Rib feminist collective in 1981 and was vice-chair of the successful Black Section campaign to select African Caribbean and Asian parliamentary and local candidates within the Labour Party, which increased the number of Black Councillors from 100 to 500 across the UK. Linda will be looking back over the last 20 years on the development of Black History Month in the UK and will be considering the challenges ahead. For more info contact Abigail Brooks on 01273 876682 or email a.m.brook@sussex.ac.uk . FREE

Sunday 1st November *Black History Communities Day* JUBILEE SQUARE, 12pm

A variety of performances from the BME community. Hosted by the Black and Minority Ethnic Young Peoples’ Project featuring Street dance, Singing, Poetry, Rapping and African drumming. there will also be workshops and activities, join us in celebrating the achievements of our Black young people. (For more info please contact the Black and Minority Ethnic Young Peoples’ Project on (01273 229 381) *FREE

Throw Some Shapes

If you’re in Brighton this weekend, this should be an interesting night of music and definitely one worth checking out.

Throw Some Shapes headlines Bullion, a West London hip hop producer who I can only compare to a UK version of DJ Shadow in terms of mind-altering productions at a slightly downtempo pace and who’s ego must be massive with the number of fans he’s won over, including Radio 1’s Mary Anne Hobbs and Zane Low, Busy P, and Goldie. With gigs like Sonar, Glastonbury and Big Chill, this intimate Brighton one should be gentle mid-summer treat.

Support comes in the way of chilled out ambient sound from Brighton act Atalanta, who’s doing a DJ set, hip hop goodness from Figure of Wax and some floor-cutting funk and soul from promoter Dave Richtor.

What they say:

“After listening to the new Bullion joint, i drove back to Detroit, and punched my mom in the stomach. FILTHY.”
House Shoes (USA)

“Insanely good!”
Busy P (Ed Banger Records, Paris)

“If only I had this guys range of music at his age, 2009 is going to be Bullions year, so you better watch out for him”
Goldie (Metalheadz)

“Absolutely loving this”
Mary Anne Hobbs (BBC Radio 1)

“Sounds great!”
Osborne (Spectral Sounds, USA)

“This is future music…”
Zane Lowe (BBC Radio 1)

Try before you buy:

Download audio file (FaderMixbyBullion.mp3)

Fader mix – Bullion

Throw Some Shapes – Friday 24 July, 10pm-2am. Jazz Rooms, Ship Street, Brighton. 5 pounds. [facebook page]

Brighton’s long-time resident hip hop DJ Mex (Blackgrass) headlines this all singing, all dancing hip hop night, featuring live b-boy displays from local breakdance crew Dancing Bears and live performances from Influx and Multifinish. Providing the backing beats are DJs Tyni and Doubledeckers.

If that line up wasn’t enough to whet your whistle, old hands rapper Hinesy Hines and MC Buzz, both from the hip hop open mic night Slip Jam B, compere for the night – expect eloquent put-downs, phat basslines and sweaty but inspired moves.

Friday 20th February, 10.30pm-3am

@Water Margin (formerly Sumo), Middle Street, Brighton

£4/£3 NUS & drinks promotions

Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users’ updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length.

Image taken from talkingheadtv.com/…/2008/07/twitter.jpg blogs.splunk.com/thewilde/

Stemming from a digital background I have been using Twitter for well over a year so one might call old skool in the arena, my colleague here at Fusion Amy the film maker and I tweet at each other, if you care to follow we are @prycie and @miss_scribbler so feel free to cut your teeth and listen to the life and works 2 such Brighton galls. Bands are on here, club nights, airlines, companies and as the world embraces micro blogging and we as consumers spend more and more time online to find out whats hot or whats not, its the only way to go.

As part of a HUGE international event on the 12th of February, Brighton Twits will be take part in Twestival here is what they say:

On 12 February 2009 175+ cities around the world will be hosting Twestivals which bring together Twitter communities for an evening of fun and to raise money and awareness for charity: water.

Taking place at the Black Lion (Black Lion street, Brighton) the night will not only offer the chance for some of Brighton hundreds of Twitteres to meet IRL (in real life) but have loads of fun while raising money for charity:water. There will be music from DJ’s Curtis and Blackbeltjonez (a resident at the Black Lion for Burnt Toast and Radio Reverb) , funk, hip hop and electronica with many ideas for fun and games getting tossed around by organizers as we speak. I would like to say a big thank you to our 3 headline sponsors Leapfrogg Digital Marketing, NixonMcinnes and Content and Motion but still looking for further sponsorship and prizes for the night!! Gig tickets, hair cuts, a special date with a special someone send it this way. If you are already on Twitter follow @brightwest for further details, this is a fantastic opportunity for some massive international coverage and links back to the main website so get digital people! You have to be a on Twitter to get a ticket, there are still a few left so see there, Facebook is so passe…