Music is massive to Liverpool - and it’s about much more than just The Beatles. Most discussions about music tend to focus on the people onstage. But there’s a whole industry beyond that. For every performer there’s another handful of people offstage making the music happen, from the technicians who get the music heard to the people who run the venues and the publishers who make sure artists get their money Meanwhile, music history and a thriving modern music scene together bring visitors to the city. And that in itself helps businesses and create jobs. All of that means the music industry is much bigger and more important to the city region than people might at first think. Last year Liverpool council and Culture Liverpool commissioned a report on how the city could make the most of its Unesco City of Music status. It showed the music industry was worth £100m to the region and supported more than 2,300 jobs. Michael Eakin, chair of the city … [Read more...] about Why Liverpool’s music business is vital to our city’s creative life and future
Broad city theme song
All 50 adverts shown during Sunday’s Super Bowl
There is about to be an influx of puppies and celebrities on your television screen, which can only mean one thing - it's Super Bowl Sunday. It's no secret that the multi-million dollar commercials that air between plays are almost as beloved as actually watching the game. With more than 100 million people tuning in, the pressure has always been high for major brands to deliver ads that will be the talk of Monday morning. This year's commercials are packed with celebrities trying to sell everything from sparkling water and Skechers slippers to dating apps and peanuts. And CBS' hefty $5.25million price tag for a 30-second slot clearly didn't deter the likes of Amazon and Pepsi to bring out major stars including Harrison Ford, Cardi B, Steve Carrel, and the Backstreet Boys. So, without further ado, here are the best and worst of all 50 ads that aired as the New England Patriots faced off against the Los Angeles Rams. AMAZON With its CEO currently … [Read more...] about All 50 adverts shown during Sunday’s Super Bowl
Newcastle legend’s songs inspire musical drama
A new musical to be premiered at Newcastle’s Live Theatre is exciting for lots of reasons – not least because it highlights, in poster-sized letters, the songwriting brilliance of Alan Hull. Lindisfarne’s charismatic frontman – just 50 when he died in 1995, a few months after a barnstorming 25th anniversary gig at Newcastle City Hall – wrote all the songs in the show, including the one which provides the title, Clear White Light. Ray Laidlaw, for many years Lindisfarne’s man on drums, is musical director and will also perform in the on-stage band along with Billy Mitchell who stepped up to the mic when Alan passed away. Clear White Light is also the first show at Live Theatre directed by Joe Douglas who succeeded founding artistic director Max Roberts at the Quayside theatre in April. Joe and Ray found time to chat about a show which should spark a box office flurry (and best not hang about because Live Theatre, while punching above its weight in … [Read more...] about Newcastle legend’s songs inspire musical drama
How Nicaragua’s good guys turned bad
1 August 2018 NicaraguaViolence Carmen Herrera traces the history of the Sandinista National Liberation Front, from socialist liberators to ‘institutional dictators’, under the increasingly brutal rule of Daniel Ortega ‘It hurts to breathe, please don’t let me fall asleep. If I sleep I won’t be able to wake up again.’ These were the last words of 15-year old Álvaro Conrado, the first victim of a bullet in Nicaragua’s current freedom struggle. He was taken to the first nearby hospital and was denied attention due to a macabre order from the government of Daniel Ortega that the wounded should receive no treatment. Álvaro bled to death during the search for another hospital that might see to him. His crime: bringing water to protesting students who had been attacked by the police. Advert It’s three months since the start of the civil society protests against the regime of Daniel Ortega – the once respected leader of … [Read more...] about How Nicaragua’s good guys turned bad
67 things to do with the kids this summer holiday in and around Derbyshire
The school summer holidays are almost upon us and children in Derby and Derbyshire have six weeks off. But, what are you going to do to entertain the kids at the end of July, through August into early September? Luckily, Derbyshire Live has compiled a comprehensive list of all the things you can do with the kids during the summer in and around the county. From Markeaton Park and Conkers to Elvaston Castle and Chatsworth House, there is something for all the family to enjoy. Fingers crossed that the sun will continue to shine but even if it doesn't there's both indoor and outdoor options. While some of the events are one-day only offers, others take place over several dates and many are running throughout the annual holiday period. Here is the list of activities for families to enjoy this summer in date order: Time Line Events happening throughout the summer holidays Cine Kids family friendly film screenings at QUAD Dates: Every weekend and throughout the summer holidays Address: … [Read more...] about 67 things to do with the kids this summer holiday in and around Derbyshire