Thank you as always for going above and beyond the call of duty in helping us get word out…..You even got us a pic!
Praise Be to the VB. - The Development Suite
Exciting news reaches us that The Park Centre Project charity, which is based in Ryde are to launch a new events programme called ‘Acoustics at the Altar’.
Acoustics at the Altar will aim to bring great quality music to alternative venues in Ryde, and in the process raise cash and awareness of the charity and hopefully spread some love at the same time.
For their first gig on the 19th October, in association with the Arts Unit’s Hog the Limelight Scheme, they’ve managed to book the fantastic Gordon Giltrap, a musician well versed in acoustics. In fact he has been described as one of the UK’s most celebrated guitarists and Brian May calls him a ‘Legend’. (more…)
Ryde Theatre has got some cracking gigs lined up for the remainder of the year and September’s Shoom outing is no exception.
Step back about fifteen years with legendary DJ Cylob topping the bill. According to the Shoomsters, Cylob had his big break back in 1993 when his demo was picked up by Aphex Twins. His DJ set is guaranteed to rock the dance floor, as he seamlessly mixes acid house and rave classics alongside his own tunes and afx style electronica. (more…)
Following on from yesterdays post about the upcoming Hip Hop weekend at The Venue which kicks off on Friday, we bring you details of the Saturday lineup.
If you’re a hip hop fan, then you’re in for a real treat as Ryde Theatre welcomes the Wild Style/Cold Crush Brothers Tour to the Island.
We’re talking old school here, Charlie Chase (pictured right with his crew 25 years ago) is a legendary DJ who was at the forefront of the birth of hip hop in New York City in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Along with his Cold Crush MC’s, Charlie was one of the best known DJ’s on the scene and he’s flying over the pond to celebrate the re-launch of the 1981 hip hop film, Wildstyle in which Charlie played himself. (more…)
Our friends up north, Happy Feet Productions, have teamed up with Bring The Noise from over the water to bring you the very finest in UK and US hip hop this coming weekend.
It all kicks off on Friday night with the Happy Feet/Bring The Noise UK Hip Hop Special featuring Ghost, Kashmere and Verb T.
If like me, you’ve not heard of any of the above, according to the promoters of the event, Ghost is a hip-hop producer and DJ of over ten years experience. He’s developed his blueprint of hip hop with a nod to the past and an eye firmly on the future. (more…)
If you’re a fan of Island band Goodbye Stereo (and we know they have a great following) then today you’re in for a treat, as they perform twice in one day.
First up, they’ll be on the Platform One stage at White Air (on stage at noon).
The quality of bands playing the Platform One stage has been superb, with one playing every hour from 12-6pm each day.
Goodbye Stereo will then be playing again in the evening as part of the recently established, Progression Session at The Venue, Ryde Theatre. (more…)
Kicking off the Scooter weekend at Ryde Theatre tonight are twelve piece soul-punk band, This Is Seb Clarke. Check out the video below to get an idea of what they’re like. The footage is from 2006 (not 1966).
Been a bit tied up with things today (including a very interesting meeting with the planning department -and the selectively mute architect Duncan Gaylor - more on that later - on the site of St Joseph’s in Madeira Road), so I’m late in getting this reminder out.
But don’t forget that Zoe and Rob will be doing an acoustic duo at King Harry’s Bar in Shanklin tonight. [Update: apologies to anyone who went down there expecting to hear acoustic guitar, my mistake, Rob was, of course, in possession of a Roland keyboard - not guitar]
Should be kicking off about 9ish.
Free entrance and a night of selective covers including some original versions of Beatles and Dylan songs.
Don’t forget that the first of the new Progression Sessions kicks off tomorrow night at Ryde Theatre.
These are weekly gigs for Island bands taking place at Ryde Theatre.
It’ll cost you less than a pint of beer to get in (in advance) and the bands get interviewed by IW Radio and featured on the ‘Live & Local’ programme on Sunday nights between 7-10pm.
If you’re heading off to Bestival this year and feel the need to get warmed up beforehand (and I’m not talking about the cardi competition), you might want to head over to Quay Arts on Thursday 6th September.
As part of the Quay Arts Cinema, a film created by a Beastie Boys audience is on the bill.
The film was created at the king of hip hops Madison Square Garden gig on 9th October 2004. The band handed handed out 50 video cameras to the audience and these newly appointed cameramen, dotted around the stadium, were given one simple instruction: just keep shooting!
By capturing the energy and excitement of the live performance and the reaction of the crowds, this sounds surely makes for a fantastic film and a great way to start the weekend early.
Tickets are only £4 and the film starts at 7.30pm. Sure to be a popular choice, probably best to call the box office to book your tickets pronto (01983 822490).
Bits and Bobs: (Documentary / USA-Canada / 2006 / 90 mins/ Cert 15)
Directed by Adam Yauch and Starring The Beastie Boys
As we reported back at the beginning of August, the IW Cycling Festival kicks off on Saturday 15th September.
We’ve just heard that ‘celebrity’ gardener, Charlie Dimmock will be at the official launch.
Given that she’ll be present at the sink or swim event where there’ll be lots of water being splashed around, let’s hope it doesn’t turn into a wet t-shirt competition.
Joining Charlie at the launch will be a team of Isle of Wight firefighters who are planning to cycle to the Vatican in Rome for charity and Worldwide Cycling Champion, Tony Doyle MBE.
On the DJ front, same lineup as before - TS, Bestival DJ Comp winner, Dan Hill, Smithy, and Funkzati.
Don’t forget that the ticket price has dropped to £6 and it is now open to over 16s, rather than the previous over 18s (don’t forget to take your ID with you though).
I know that there will be lots going on on Saturday night (Ventnor Illuminated Carnival and Deep Disc), but this really will be a night worth getting out for.
Tickets for the night are only £10 in advance or £12 on the door which open at 7pm. This is a night not to be missed.
It might be the end of The Development Suite at The Liquid Lounge, but the promoters have their fingers in many pies. They pulled off something potentially bigger and better for Island bands and punters alike.
The Progression Sessions will run every Thursday from 23rd August to end of October and will only cost you £2 (advance) to get in (£5 on the door) at Ryde Theatre.
Following the recent last minute postponement of Shindig, we’re pleased to hear that Char is now back in the helm and raring to go.
The night of great live bands and DJs with visuals has been rearranged and will now be taking place Friday next week (17th) at Ryde Theatre.
Even better, the ticket price has dropped to £6 and it is now open to over 16s, rather than the previous over 18s (don’t forget to take your ID with you though).
It’s very sad to hear that last nights gig at The Liquid Lounge may have been the last for The Development Suite at that particular venue.
Despite the hard work, dedication and support from local bands, the organisers (basically Rick) have hit a brick wall with the LL management and have decided to cancel all future gigs there.
They will look around for other venues, but for now any gigs listed to play at The Liquid Lounge as part of The Development or Alternative Suite will not take place there. (more…)
This Thursday start the weekend early and head up to the Balcony in Ryde (I don’t say that often) for a night of hip hip, scratching and rap.
In association with ‘Beer and Rap Presents’, Happy Feet Productions have pulled together a night hosted by Hinesy Hines and special guest MC (they’re not telling who yet).
On the stage will be Dr Syntax, Stig of the Dump, Enlish (aka Big Dave) and DJ Manipulate.
Slipdisc are back and this time its war, as they go back to back with Deep Promotions.
Alternate DJs will be playing with Overtype (electrics), Marc Dempsey (tech electro house) and Darren Farrow (electro/breaks) from the Deep camp and Nathan Kyle (minimal), Lady J (progressive) and Punchface (minimal/tech-house) representing Slipdisc.
It all takes place on the 18th at The Studio, Bowling Green Lane, Newport.
Entry is merely four quid on the door and the action kicks off at 9pm. Open til late.
Thanks very much to VentnorBlog reader, Lin, for sending in her pics from last weeks Shanklin Carnival.
Looks like there were some excellent costumes taking part and I expect you’ll be able to see many of them again in the other carnivals around the Island over the holidays - including the Ventnor Carnival which takes place Wednesday (15th) next week. Not forgetting the illuminated carnival which finishes off the week of events on Saturday night (19th). (more…)
Ryde Theatre plays host this coming Saturday to one of the best and most loved Guns N’ Roses tribute bands in the UK.
Not really my scene, but I’m sure there will be plenty of fans out there looking forward to this gig. These guys have been on a rigorous four year tour throughout the UK and Europe and have been captivating sell-out audiences night after night, securing them a large and loyal fan base.
The outstanding live stage show is based firmly on the best of Guns N’ Roses televised performances and the band deliver the very best from the Guns N Roses era.
The Development Suite at The Liquid Lounge brings us something very special this Sunday.
First up on are The Elusive Project (not pictured). You might not’ve heard of them yet as they are a fairly new act, hailing from the Island’s music college Platform One.
The band members are Claydon Connor on vocals, guitars and keyboards, Damon Gerrad on guitars, Ian Manning (otherwise known as Blinky) on drums and percussion with a touch of backing vocals and on the old faithful bass, Tom Farren- bass who throws in some additional backing vocals.
If you’re a reader of Joe Blogs, our Chief Exec Joe Duckworth’s blog, you’ll understand that this is one that’ll get his adrenalin racing (and hopefully his legs too).
Each year, the Isle of Wight plays host to one of the UK’s largest and best loved cycling festivals and 2007 will be no exception.
The festival is being launched with a “sink or swim” fun race on the 15th September. Teams of bonkers bike riders will cross the River Medina on “aquabikes” (illustrated in the picture opposite) and attempt to get across without completely submerging. (more…)
Exciting news reaches us that The Park Centre Project charity, which is based in Ryde are to launch a new events programme called ‘Acoustics at the Altar’. 
Step back about fifteen years with legendary DJ Cylob topping the bill. According to the Shoomsters, Cylob had his big break back in 1993 when his demo was picked up by Aphex Twins. His DJ set is guaranteed to rock the dance floor, as he seamlessly mixes acid house and rave classics alongside his own tunes and afx style electronica.
If you’re a hip hop fan, then you’re in for a real treat as Ryde Theatre welcomes the Wild Style/Cold Crush Brothers Tour to the Island.
It all kicks off on Friday night with the Happy Feet/Bring The Noise UK Hip Hop Special featuring Ghost, 
First up, they’ll be on the Platform One stage at White Air (on stage at noon). 
We hear the gig went well, with The Chancers, Cooly Haste and Barnsy collaborating on stage and new tracks well received. 
Been a bit tied up with things today (including a very interesting meeting with the planning department -and the selectively mute architect Duncan Gaylor - more on that later - on the site of 
These are weekly gigs for Island bands taking place at Ryde Theatre. 
As part of the Quay Arts Cinema, a film created by a Beastie Boys audience is on the bill.
Don’t forget that Quay Arts director, Mick Smith will be playing live piano soundtrack tonight to black and white sumptuous melodrama, 
We’ve just heard that ‘celebrity’ gardener, Charlie Dimmock will be at the official launch.
And on that list are none other than 
Yes, don’t forget 
The Progression Sessions will run every Thursday from 23rd August to end of October and will only cost you £2 (advance) to get in (£5 on the door) at Ryde Theatre.
If you want to be part of the action, you’ll need to get a ticket to Ryde (sorry) as they take over The Venue at Ryde Theatre.
Despite the hard work, dedication and support from local bands, the organisers (basically Rick) have hit a brick wall with the LL management and have decided to cancel all future gigs there. 
We know they’ve lots of fans out there, so if you fancy a cheap night, listening to one of your favourite bands play live, head over to Ryde.
In association with ‘Beer and Rap Presents’, 
Alternate DJs will be playing with Overtype (electrics), Marc Dempsey (tech electro house) and 
Thanks very much to VentnorBlog reader, Lin, for sending in her pics from last weeks Shanklin Carnival. 
Not really my scene, but I’m sure there will be plenty of fans out there looking forward to this gig. These guys have been on a rigorous four year tour throughout the UK and Europe and have been captivating sell-out audiences night after night, securing them a large and loyal fan base.
First up on are 
Each year, the Isle of Wight plays host to one of the UK’s largest and best loved cycling festivals and 2007 will be no exception.