Feature on a new luxury, boutique hotel opening in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
November 20, 2012
Live Review: Ben Howard
Ben Howard
Cambridge Corn Exchange
19th November 2012
Singer songwriter Willy Mason opened last night’s gig at the Cambridge Corn Exchange with his smooth blues and folk tunes from his American homeland. Although only the tender age of 27 (at time of print), Mason has a gravelly yet strong range to his voice well beyond his years.
Following on from Mason’s set, the audience of the packed venue now gently warmed up, the main attraction took to the stage. With Ben and co tuning their instruments and tweaking the final touches, the crowd was full of suspense and anticipation.
October 20, 2012
‘Calendar Girls’ for Local Secrets
Preview/interview for Calendar Girls performed by Ely ADS, for Local Secrets.
October 15, 2012
‘Feeling good in Bury’ for Local Secrets
Review/feature on Oxjam event in Bury St Edmunds.
http://www.localsecrets.com/ezine.cfm?ezineid=3220~feeling+good+in+bury+gigs+and+clubs
September 27, 2012
Album Review: Mumford and Sons ‘Babel’
Artist: Mumford and Sons
Album Title: Babel
Label: Island
Release Date: 24th September 2012
As we bid farewell to summer, we are brightened by the arrival of folk favourites Mumford and Sons’ new album, Babel. This is the follow up to 2009’s Sigh No More which cemented them as regulars on radio and Spotify playlists alike and made folk cool.
Delicate vocals and harmonies trill poetic lyrics that have gained the Sons popularity. This album gently eases listeners into winter with fast tempo jaunts and autumnal tunes, giving us some comfort in these long wintry months ahead.
August 23, 2012
As You Like It review for Cambridge News
Review on As You Like It as part of the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival 2012. August 2012.
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Whats-on-leisure/Reviews/As-You-Like-It-23082012.htm
August 23, 2012
Finding ‘The One’ for Local Secrets
Article on finding the ‘right’ wedding venue in Cambridge. August 2012.
http://www.localsecrets.com/ezine.cfm?ezineid=3153~finding+the+one+features
July 30, 2012
EP Review: Harry Oakwood (Millionaire)
Artist: Harry Oakwood (Millionaire)
Album Title: Harry Oakwood (Millionaire) EP
Label: Believe Digital
Release Date: 2nd July 2012
Remember The Feeling from a few years back? Well despite being a little on the quiet side over the last couple of years, a new London based band seems to be chanelling the soft voiced popsters but this time with a more folky feel. Harry Oakwood (Millionaire)‘s self titled debut EP features a tracklist of rhythmic acoustic guitar riffs creating a feelgood folk vibe.
HO (M) would be well suited to a festival atmosphere. Sitting outside, with a bunch of friends, light summery breeze carrying the sound of tracks such as ‘Sacred Cow’ and ‘Brothers’. The latter especially which conjures up the idea of a country pub and the drink flowing with the singalong feel of the chorus.
July 10, 2012
Hat’s off to Independent’s Week – Local Secrets
My article on vintage clothes shop, Jemporium Vintage, for Local Secrets. July 2012.
http://www.localsecrets.com/ezine.cfm?ezineid=3093~hats+off+to+independents+week+style
July 5, 2012
Tacheles: The Straight Talking Side to Berlin
Previously published in 2010.
When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, many people from East Berlin flocked to the newly reunited West side of the city looking for jobs and a better life. The years after the reunification of East and West Berlin became a squatters paradise with ownership arguments of abandoned buildings making it easy for squatters to move in.
Tacheles, one of the most famous squat sites in Berlin, was originally a department store at the beginning of the 20th century. It was then used as Nazi administrative headquarters and finally bombed during World War II. The building was never renovated or demolished and squatters moved in in 1989. The building houses 31 studios on many different floors where artistic types are invited to create and display their work. There is also a cinema, theatre, bar, restaurant and back garden.
When the squatters moved in, German investment firm, Fundus Group, negotiated a ten year lease for the artists at a symbolic rate of just one Deustche Mark (half a euro) per year. Martin Reiter who is in charge of the co-op which runs Tacheles always thought of it as a tenuous and temporary venue for this reason. The lease ended on 31st December 2008 with no plans for renewal.
As part of the gentrification or restructuring of the districts in Berlin, many squats are facing evacuation. This has led to clashes with police, hunger strikes and protests. Originally students, artists, homosexuals and bohemians moved into the slightly ‘run down’ area to enjoy a good and cheap life. These people protected the area from demolition. However the neighbourhood then started to attract young, well paid, liberal minded people often described as ‘yuppies’ making houses appreciate in value. This forced the old residents to move out as living costs rose.
