Theatre Winter Haven Presents: ‘Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story’

WHAT: “Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story,” presented by Theatre Winter Haven. THE PLAY: Buddy Holly died at the age of 23 on Feb. 3, 1959, which is remembered as “the day the music died.” Although his success lasted only a year and a half before his death in an airplane crash, Holly is described …

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St. Lucie County Community Calendar, Updated Feb. 18

St. Lucie County Community Calendar NEW listings Bells Brewery Tap Takeover: Tapping 10 different Bells Brewery Beers. Vine & Barley, 1680 SW St. Lucie West Blvd., Port st. Lucie, 2 pm, Feb. 22, Ages: 21+. $4.95-$25. 772-446-7550; vineandbarley.com. Taste Of The Sea & Sandy Shoes Seafood Festival: With Live Bands and KidZone. Veteran’s Memorial Park, …

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The Record » news » Lotus returns to Goshen

It’s been eight years since Goshen has been able to hear the instrumental jam band Lotus perform. Finally, they are headed our way. The five-member band, formed at Goshen College, has been hard at work. With the recent release of their self-titled fourth studio album, the band has just come off a fall tour and …

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CD Review: The Belle Brigade

The Belle BrigadeRepriseRating: 4 The Belle Brigade keeps it in the family for good reason. The band is comprised of siblings Barbara Gruska and Ethan Gruska. The pair seem to share a musical harmony reminiscent of Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel and 70s pop-rock. Their first single “Losers,” with its anthemic lyrics and simplistic guitar …

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Four Lucky Couples Exchange De Beers Wedding Bands During Colin Cowie's Annual Valentine's Day Event

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 15, 2012 De Beers Diamond Jewellers, the ultimate destination for engagement rings and wedding bands with over 120 years of diamond expertise, partnered with Colin Cowie Weddings for the annual Valentine’s Day Weddings Event, held at the iconic landmark on the world’s most romantic day of the year. Four lucky …

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Theatre Winter Haven Presents: ‘Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story’St. Lucie County Community Calendar, Updated Feb. 18The Record » news » Lotus returns to GoshenCD Review: The Belle BrigadeFour Lucky Couples Exchange De Beers Wedding Bands During Colin Cowie's Annual Valentine's Day Event

Feb
22

MURRIETA: Vista Murrieta jazz bands to perform

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MURRIETA: Vista Murrieta jazz bands to perform

City Hall 1 Town Square, 24601 Jefferson Ave., Murrieta CA 92562; 951-304-CITY (2489)

Murrieta Police Department 24701 Jefferson Ave., Murrieta, CA 92562; 951-304-COPS (2677); 24 Hour Dispatch Center 951-696-3615

Public Works & Engineering 951-304-CITY (2489)

Murrieta Fire DepartmentStation No. 1: 41825 Juniper St., Murrieta, CA, 951-677-5511; Station No. 2: 40060 California Oaks Road, Murrieta, CA, 951-698-8977; Station No. 3: 39985 Whitewood Road, Murrieta, CA, 951-698-1451

Click here for more listings of Murrieta community groups, services and resources.

In the Newsroom

The Californian Editor: Lauri Lockwood 951-676-4315, ext. 2622,

Murrieta Reporter: Nelsy Rodriguez 951-676-4315, ext. 2626,

Community News: 760-839-3300,

Advertising

Fallbrook & Southwest Riverside Retail Manager: Nancy Carroll951-676-4315 ext. 2659,

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Feb
22

The Diamond Nexus Design Studio Launches Custom Wedding Band Sale

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1329911741 65 The Diamond Nexus Design Studio Launches Custom Wedding Band Sale

(PRWEB) February 20, 2012

Now through February 29th, customers ordering a women’s custom wedding band through the Nexus Design Studio will receive a free Titanium or Tungsten men’s wedding band.

For those customers who prefer a 14K Gold band, they have the option of saving $150 off the price of a 14K Gold men’s band available on the website, or by ordering a custom men’s wedding band.

The Diamond Nexus Tungsten and Titanium men’s ring collections offer a variety of styles in the durable solid metals perfect for everyday wear. “Rewarding our customers who are planning a one of a kind wedding set for their fiancé with a free men’s band is very exciting. This way, couples get his and hers bands at once and it saves them time and a lot of money,” shared Nancy Jaeck, Nexus Design Studio Manager.

Many couples prefer the man’s band to be in 14K Gold and to be set with lab created diamond simulants for added style. For anyone choosing to go that route, they will save $150 off of the band, either by ordering one of the many designs available on the Diamond Nexus website, or by custom-making the exact band that they are dreaming of.

“Couples can create unique his and her wedding sets, to match and make the perfect design statement. But the best part is that with the Nexus Design Studio, it will also be affordable. Saving thousands of dollars by choosing a custom ring set, while also being able to say that your affordable engagement ring and band is eco-friendly too!” added Missy Eggener, Nexus Design Studio representative. “With Diamond Nexus, it is easier than ever to create the jewelry of your dreams, and no one else in the world is going to be wearing it.”

Diamond Nexus was founded in 2004 with the purpose of bringing to the public the powerful benefits of the diamond simulant revolution. They have over 200,000 customers worldwide that have awarded them an “A+” rating with the BBB, and are rated a top ten online jewelry store according to the IR500 list. For two years in a row brides from The Knot have selected them as their Best of Jeweler. Diamond Nexus currently has two retail locations: their flagship store at Woodfield Mall in suburban Chicago, Illinois, and a second store at Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2009 the company was named the official jeweler and crown maker of the Miss Universe Organization as part of NBC/Universal’s “Green is Universal” environmental initiative.

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Feb
22

Glacier View student to perform at Hard Rock Cafe

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1329910513 59 Glacier View student to perform at Hard Rock Cafe

A conversation with Glacier View Junior High School ninth-grader Jason Kertson feels sort of like taking a grand tour through the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame or the Experience Music Project.Kertson’s textbook-like knowledge of his favorite bands — from The Beatles to Pink Floyd to Fleetwood Mac to Seattle alternative rock bands like Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam — is impressive.Lately, Kertson has been living a rock ‘n’ roll dream as the lead singer/guitarist of his band, Jason Kertson and The Immortals.“We’re like the virtual love child of Alice in Chains and Tool,” he said.Kertson’s band will perform Friday at the Autism Speaks benefit concert at the Hard Rock Café in Seattle.The concert means a lot to Kertson because it fuses his love for music performance with his love for special-education students.“I have a heart for special-needs kids,” said Kertson, who has volunteered for six years in his mother’s special-education program at Ridgecrest Elementary in Puyallup. “Some people don’t understand that special needs doesn’t make a person any less special. We’re hoping we get a lot of people to come out and support Autism Speaks.”“This cause is very close to both of our hearts,” said Erika Kertson, Jason Kertson’s mother.Since the moment Jason Kertson’s video of his cover version of The Beatles’ “You Can’t Do That” went viral, talent scouts have reached out to the 14-year-old. He once got an offer to sign a contract with Disney and pursue his music there,  but he turned it down.“I turned down the offer because I didn’t want to sell out,” he said. “I put creativity ahead of everything else. It’s never been about the money.”One connection Kertson made through his viral breakthrough was with Dave Mustaine, lead singer of 1980s metal band Megadeth.“(Mustaine) has helped my writing progress and has helped by recording my demos,” Kertson said. “He’s told me about the music industry and that, no matter how good you are, the music industry isn’t going to change.”Oddly enough, Kertson already has some rock lineage in his family. His grandfather, Rob Lind, was the saxophonist and vocalist for the 1960s rock band The Sonics.Lind helped his daughter, Erika Kertson, and Jason’s father, Chris, to seek out a music attorney. For the past couple years, Erika and Chris have taken on the role of music manager for their son.“We are parents, not industry people, so it can be challenging sometimes,” Erika said. “(Jason) has mad music skills, and he is so humble. He has a good head on his shoulders. He is an old soul.”Jason said he likes to be humble, because he doesn’t want to be “one of those divas.” He always watches the bands that perform before and after him.Jason also has made a vow to never take drugs. He is saddened by all the great rock musicians who have died young due to drug use.Jason, who has written 27 original songs so far, said music is his drug.

Friday show

Jason Kertson and The Immortals will perform at the Autism Speaks benefit concert at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at the Hard Rock Café in Seattle. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. They can be purchased at ticketweb.com.

Reporter Andrew Fickes can be reached at 253-841-2481, ext. 313, or by email at .

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Feb
22

Real Diamond, Neil Diamond tribute show at the Civic Theatre in March

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1329909336 74 Real Diamond, Neil Diamond tribute show at the Civic Theatre in March

Friday 9 March 7.45pmReal DiamondCivic Theatre

… the only Neil Diamond tribute show in UK Theatres.

John Hylton presents “Real Diamond” – a classic show with Neil Diamond’s greatest hits performed on a rollercoaster of emotion at the Civic Theatre on Friday 9 March. A seasoned professional performer for twenty years… and you can tell in two minutes.

Neil Diamond’s iconic career stretches from 1965 to his world tour in 2011, and who knows how far beyond? With chart and album hits in every decade, Neil is truly a living legend.

John Hylton is without doubt Europe’s leading tribute to the great man himself – some suggest he may actually be the best there is.

Together with his 100% live band (you could call them “The Magnificent 7”!), these guys play Neil’s music like its supposed to be played… and John Hylton sings it like Neil would want it to be sung.

Can You do “The DIAMOND Challenge?”

If you are a Neil Diamond fan, could you tell the difference between Neil diamond live…. And a Tribute?Simply go on the website johnhylton.com and select the CHALLENGE page… Listen carefully and decide which 4 song clips are NOT Neil…. But Real Diamond. Then call or visit the Box-Office with those 4 numbers… If you are right you can buy a reduced-priced ticket (saving you £1.50) to see Real Diamond live. Good luck! But don’t delay, this is a limited offer!

Tickets are priced £18.50 and concessions £17.00. To book tickets go online to chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or call the Box Office on 01245 606505.

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Feb
22

Martin County Community Calendar, Updated Feb. 21

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1329906929 76 Martin County Community Calendar, Updated Feb. 21

Martin County Community Calendar

NEW Listings

LOOKING AHEAD

Sunset Tour: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter. Sunset, Feb. 22. $15-$20. RSVP: 561-747-8380 ext. 101.

Jewels Of The Reef: Hawksbill Turtle of South Florida: Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1, 7:30 pm, Feb. 22. Ages 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; .

BBC History Of World War II: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, 10 am 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Feb. 22: “Battle of the Atlantic — Keeping Secrets”

Feb. 29: “Battle of the Atlantic — The Hunted”

Mar. 7: “Battle of the Century — High Hopes”

Mar. 14: “Battle of the Century — Spiral of Terror”

Discover Opera: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 2 pm. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Feb. 22: “Romeo & Juliet”

Mar. 21: “Lucia di Lammermoor”

Green Industry Best Management Practices: Indian RiverSide Park, 1707 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, 8 am-4 pm, Feb. 22. $25. Reservation: 772-288-5654; martin.ifas.ufl.edu.

BMP Workshop: Training, testing for anyone working in lawn, landscape, pest control, municipal grounds areas; CEUs available. Indian RiverSide Park, 1707 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, 8 am-3:30 pm, Feb. 22. $25. Pre-registration: 772-288-5654.

Wine Tasting: Try 5 French wines with master wine sommelier Stephen Dormer. Gusto Italian Cuisine, 307 Colorado Ave., Stuart, 5:30 pm, Feb. 23. $20. 772-287-3334.

What’s All That Jazz About…For Kids!: Interactive presentation by jazz saxophonist Shenole Latimer. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 6:30 pm, Feb. 23. Grades K-4. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Honda Classic Kickoff Party: Cocktails, music, prizes. Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens, 7-10 pm, Feb. 23. $50. 561-844-1778.

Boating Education Safety: Recreational Boating Safety taught by Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 59. Sandsprit Park, 3443 St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart, 7-9 pm, Feb. 23. $40. (discounts available). Register: 772-342-0971.

“Barrage”: Music and dance. Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Feb. 23. $25-$30. Ticket: 561-207-5900; eisseycampustheatre.org.

Public Auction: Dinners, jewelry, massages, ice-cream maker, espresso machine, handyman, pocketbooks, trips. Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 SE Central Pkwy., Stuart, 6:30-9:30 pm, Feb., 24. 772-223-5020; tcuuc.com.

“The Sound Of Music”: Full-length Broadway production. Hobe Sound Bible Church, 11295 SE Gomez Ave., 7 pm, Feb. 24-25. $5 donation. Ticket: 772-545-1400; .

Art Centers Of The United States: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 2 pm. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Feb. 24: California Bay Area.

Mar. 9: York City

Mar. 23: Miami’s South Beach

Civil War Series: Illustrated talks by Josh Liller. Cummings Library, 2351 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 3-5 pm. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Feb. 24: Causes of the Civil War.

Apr. 6: Grant & Shiloh.

May 25: McClellan & the Peninsular Campaign.

June 15: The War of 1812.

Video Art & Jazz: Pioneer video artist Carol Goss’ selected abstract & live jazz performance videos. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 2-3:30 pm, Feb. 25. 772-221-1403; improvart.com/blake.

“The Doggie and the Dino:” Interactive puppet show. Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 11 am, Feb. 25. Ages 3-7. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Dance Performance: Fundraiser by many dance organizations. South Fork High School, 10205 SW Pratt Whitney Rd., Stuart, 3 pm, Feb. 25. All proceeds benefit Replay for Life.

Lunafest Treasure Coast 2012: Women’s film festival, reception, exposition, silent auction. Kane Center, 900 SE Salerno Rd., Stuart, 6 pm, Feb. 25. $25. Ticket: lunafesttreasurecoast.info.

OPUS Flea Market: Booth 9, garage sale alley. The B&A Flea Market, 2201 SE Indian St., Stuart, 8 am-3 pm, Feb. 25.

Treasure Coast Community Singers: Sentimental Journey: Songs of the War Years concert. North Stuart Baptist Church, 1050 N US 1, 3 pm, Feb. 25-26, Mar. 4. $15. 772-224-8807; tccsingers.org.

Stuart Art Festival: Osceola St., downtown, 10 am-5 pm, Feb. 25-26. artfestival.com.

“Tribute to Andrea Bocelli & Friends”: Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Feb. 25. $35-$45. 561-207-5900; FrancoCorso.com.

Have A Heart Dinner Dance: Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, 1500 SW Capri St., Palm City, 5 pm, Feb. 25. $60; Benefits 4Cs. Reservation: 772-220-1090.

Flea Market: Montego Cove Clubhouse, 6120 SE Martinique Dr., Stuart, 8 am-noon, Feb. 25. 772-283-2149.

JTAA Lacrosse: Season kickoff jamboree & watermelon challenge fundraiser event. Jupiter Community Park, 3377 Church St., 9 am-5 pm, Feb. 25.

Genealogist Organization Conference: Classes, organization for all family history researchers. 2755 Woodfield Blvd., behind Indian River Mall, Vero Beach, 8:30 am-3:30 pm, Feb. 25. Adults. $8. Register: 772-567-7463; .

Copeland Davis: With Indian River Pops Orchestra. The Lyric Theatre, 59 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart, 7:30 pm, Feb. 25. $25. Ticket: 772-286-7827; secure.lyrictheatre.com. Also: Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, 7 pm, Feb. 26. $25. 561-207-5900; IndianRiverPops.org.

Lundin Kudo Empty Bowls Project: Enjoy soup & bread, keep your bowl. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 623 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 10:30 am-2 pm, Feb. 26. $15 donation. Benefits Treasure Coast Food Bank & Mary’s Kitchen. 772-288-2535; somanyemptybowls.blogspot.com.

Spirituality Speaker Series: “God vs. Gay” by Jay Michaelson. Temple Beth David, 4657 Hood Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, 7 pm, Feb. 27. 561-712-5236.

MARS Lecture Series: Underwater Moments — Bringing the Underwater World into Focus, JD & Valerie Gaynor. Environmental Studies Center, 2900 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, 7 pm, Feb. 27. Ages high school+. 772-334-4643; escmc.org.

Mar. 5: Synopsis of Photo-identification Dolphin Research in Indian River Lagoon, Marilyn Mazzoil, senior research associate, Harbor Branch/Florida Atlantic University.

Mar. 19: The Secret Lives of Goliath Groupers, Sarah Frias-Torres, Ph.D., adjunct researcher ORCA.

Mar. 26: The State of our Local Rivers, Leon Abood, chairman, Rivers Coalition.

“Hello, Dolly!” The Movie: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Rd., Feb. 27, 7 pm. 561-972-6124; jupitertheatre.org.

Gloria Steinem: Live telecast, part of NYC-based 92nd Street Y lectures. BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Feb. 28. $15. Ticket: 561-712-5226; jcconline.com.

Southampton Day: Hot dogs, tables, benches, light grills available. Dubois Park at Jupiter Inlet, South side, Jupiter, 11 am, Feb. 28. 772-872-6981; .

Prostate Cancer Screening: Weissman Cancer Center, 501 E Osceola St., Stuart, 4-6 pm, Feb. 28. Men 40-75; must not carry diagnosis of prostate cancer. RSVP 772-223-5945 ext. 3736; martinhealth.org.

Fashion Show & Luncheon: Benefits Mary’s Shelter. Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 SE Doubleton Dr., Stuart, 11 am- 2 pm, Feb. 28. $60. Reservation: 772-223-5000; maryssheltertc.org.

Tuesday Nite Big Band: Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Feb. 28. $15. 561-207-5900.

Weddings 411: Plan your wedding stress free. Harborage Yacht Club & Marina, 955 NW Flagler Ave., Stuart. 6-9 pm, Feb. 29. $10-$20. Reservation: 772-349-1989; .

Women in Literature: Book study group. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 2-3:30 pm. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Feb. 29: “Truth and Beauty,” by Ann Patchett

Mar. 7: “Help,” by Kathryn Stockett

Mar. 14: “Sarah’s Key,” by Tatiana de Rosnay

Mar. 21: “The Book Thief,” by Markus Zuszk

Mar. 28: “Crossing to Safety,” by Wallace Earle Stegner

MARCH EVENTS

Women In Literature Part X: “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout. Hoke Library, 1150 NW Jack Williams Way, Jensen Beach, 2-3:15 pm. Mar. 1. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Mar. 15: “Sophie & the Rising Sun” by Augusta Trobaugh

Mar. 29: “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet” by Jamie Ford

Legal Tips For Families: Course for parents about legal, financial documents needed to plan for family’s future. Palm Beach Tots, Furniture for Kids, Ste. 3107, Downtown at the Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens, 5:30-6:30 pm, Mar. 1. RSVP: .

Captain Rodney Smith: Shares nearly 20 years as fishing guide on Indian River Lagoon. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge & Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1., 7:30 pm, Mar. 1. Ages 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; hobesoundnaturecenter.com.

Student Showcase, Open House: Culinary Institute at IRSC; program information, financial aid information, kitchen tours, free food samples. Mueller Campus, 6155 College Ln., Vero Beach, 6 pm, Mar. 1. 772-226-2511; irscculinaryinstitute.com.

Arias: Palm Beach Opera. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, Mar. 1. $25. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

Book Talk: “Red Pepper & Gorgeous George: Claude Pepper’s Epic Defeat in 1950 Democratic Primary,” by James C. Clark. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 2 pm, Mar. 1. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Food Drive: Treasure Coast Food Bank, 1172 SW 30th St., Suite 3, Palm City, 9 am-5 pm, thru Mar 2. 772-219-4454; edwardjones.com.

Atlantic Classical Orchestra: Featuring violinist Elmar Oliveirs. Lyric Theater, 59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, 4 pm, 8 pm, Mar. 2. $55-$60. Ticket: 772-286-7827; acomusic.org/store/Stuart-Lyric-Theatre.html.

Bobby Collins: Stand-up comedian. Atlantic Theater, 6743 W. Indiantown Rd. #34, Jupiter, 7:30 & 9:30 pm, Mar. 2. Ages 13+. $27. Ticket: 561-575-4942; TheAtlanticTheater.com.

Celtic Crossroads: Traditional Irish music, dancers. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 8 pm, Mar. 2. $40. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

Spirituality Speaker Series: “Here I Am” by Leonard Felder. Temple Beth Am, 2250 S. Central Blvd., Jupiter, 7:30 pm, Mar. 2. 561-712-5236.

Focus On Foreign Film: Cinema club screens & discusses movie. Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 2 pm, Mar. 2, Apr. 13, May 4, June 1. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Home & Garden Show: MC Fairgrounds, 2616 SE Dixie Hwy., Stuart, noon-5 pm, Mar. 2; 9 am-4 pm, Mar. 3-4. 772-287-1088; .

Les Mack Trio: Standards, big band, jazz, Latin tunes. Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 2 pm, Mar. 3. Ticket: 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Strawberry Festival: First Presbyterian Church, 482 Tequesta Dr., Tequesta, 9 am-1 pm, Mar. 3. 561-746-5161; tequestapres.org.

Bull Run 5K: Individual or team runners. Merrill Lynch Building, 2301 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 6:30 am, Mar. 3. $25-$30; benefits United Way. Register: 772-223-6761; LIVEUNITEDmc.org.

Night Hike, Campfire Program: Owl pellet dissection, live owl exhibit, guided hike, ‘s’mores, hot cocoa. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 5:30-9 pm, Mar. 3. $10. Register: 772-334-4643; escmc.org.

Le Bal Masque: Greek dinner, auctions, entertainment. Mariner Sands Country Club, Stuart, 6:30 pm, Mar. 3. $125. Benefits United for Families’ Road to Success program. Register: 772-398-2920; uff.us/lebalmasque.

Bazaar: Household items, jewelry, bakery. Village 7 Cedar Point Clubhouse, 2929 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 8:30 am-2 pm, Mar. 3. 772-221-3210.

Ham Radio Class: Palm Beach Gardens Fire Station No. 61, 10500 N. Military Trail, 9 am-3 pm, Mar. 3, 9 am-noon, Mar. 4. $15. 561-714-6673; .

Pearls Of Wisdom Gala: MC Library Foundation celebrates 20th anniversary. Sailfish Point Country Club, 1648 SE Sailfish Point Blvd., Stuart, 6:30-10:30 pm, Mar. 4. Ages: 21+. $350. Ticket: 772-221-1409; libraryfoundationmc.org.

“Yesterday, A Tribute To The Beatles”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, Mar. 4. $40. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

Slam Breakfast: Knights of Columbus, 7251 SW Gaines Ave., Stuart, 8-11:30 am, Mar. 4, Apr. 22. $2-$5. 772-286-7507; .

Piano Men II: Jim Witter, 1970s and 1980s music. Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Mar. 4. $25-$30. Ticket: 561-207-5900; eisseycampustheatre.org.

Coastal Lecture Series: Florida Oceanographic Society. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 7 pm. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Mar. 5: Lucille Rights, “Early Coastal Prehistoric Indians”.

Mar. 26: M. Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., “Submersed Plants of the Indian River Lagoon: A Floristic Inventory and Field Guide”.

Apr. 9: Vincent Encomio, Ph.D., “Florida Oceanographic Oyster Restoration”

Apr. 23: Bob Montanaro, “Ospreys of Pelican Island: An Exploration into the Life of the Fish Hawk”

Art Of The Age & The Story Of English: Thomas Gainsborough 1727-1788 film followed by related film on story of English. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, Mar. 6. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Apr. 3: Buddhist Art — Ajanta Caves in India

May 8: Alfred Stieglitz 1864-1946

Beach Dynamics: Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge & Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1, 10 am, Mar. 6. Ages 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; .

Secret Gardens Tour Kick-Off Party: Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, 1500 SW Capri St., Palm City, 5-7 pm, Mar. 7. $10. RSVP: 772-220-1090.

Kindergarten Registration: Jerry Thomas Elementary, 800 Maplewood Dr., Jupiter. 1 pm, Mar. 8. Ages 5 on or before Sept. 1. 561-741-9102; .

Campaign 2012: Talk, Q&A by Lynn University professor & political commentator. Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, 6:30 pm, Mar. 8. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

“Ballroom”: Musical. Barn Theatre, 2400 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 8 pm, Mar. 9, 10, 14-17, 21-24; 2 pm, Mar. 11,18,25. $25. Ticket: 772-287-4884; barn-theatre.com.

Bingo Night: Unity of Stuart, 211 SE Central Parkway, 7 pm, Mar. 9. 772-286-3878; unityofstuart.org. $2 cards, $6/10. 772-286-3878.

A Pair To Remember Fashion Show: Luncheon benefiting Easter Seals. The Gardens Mall Grand Court, 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 11 am-2 pm, March 9. $125. Ticket: 561-471-1688; fl.easterseals.com.

The Curious Life Of An Everglades Ecologist: Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge & Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1, 7:30 pm, Mar. 8. Ages 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; .

Angling For Awareness: Inshore trout, snook, redfish and flounder catch/photo/release tournament to benefit Dandy-Walker research. Jensen Beach Causeway, near the pier, 7 am-2 pm, Mar. 10. $20 plus $5 per angler big fish. Pre-registration: 863-956-6993; .

Genealogy Class: 1940 Federal Census. Church of the Latter Day Saints, 2401 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 10 am-noon, Mar. 10. Adults. $3.50. Register: 772-567-7463; .

Doug MacCraw: Comedy, hypnotism. Atlantic Theater, 6743 W. Indiantown Rd. #34, Jupiter, 8 pm, Mar. 10. Ages 13+. $20. Ticket: 561-575-4942; TheAtlanticTheater.com.

New To You Garage Sale: Indoor. Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Parish Hall, 1454 SW Mapp Rd., Palm City, 8 am-2:30 pm, Mar. 10. Tables $30-$50. 772-286-0019; .

“Steppin’ out in Style” Fashion Show: St. Christopher Council of Catholic Women fundraiser. Miles Grant Country Club, 5101 SE Miles Grant Rd., Stuart, noon, Mar. 10. $30. Ticket: 772-224-0824; .

Treasure Coast Oyster Fest: Sandsprit Park, 3443 SE St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart, 10 am-6 pm, Mar. 10-11. Benefits Oyster Reef Restoration. 772-486-4867; .

All Breed Dog Shows: South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, 8 am-6 pm, Mar. 10-11. Benefits local animal rescue organizations. southfloridafair.com.

Art Fest By The Sea: 1 mile of 300 juried artists, live music, kids art competition. A1A from Marcinski Road in Jupiter to Donald Ross Road, 10 am-5 pm, Mar. 10-11. 561-746-6615; .

“Voices of Legends in Concert”: Starring Bobby Brooks Wilson. Eissey Campus Theater, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, 7:30 pm, Mar. 11. $30-$35. 561-207-5900; johnnytunes.com.

Kane Cabaret Series: Sunday afternoon concert series benefiting the Council on Aging. Kane Center, 900 SE Salerno Rd., Stuart, 2 pm, Mar. 11. $12-$20. Ticket: 772-223-7800; kanecenter.org.

Conservation Program: Turtle research, Inwater Research Group. Knights of Columbus Hall, 7251 Gaines Ave., Stuart, 12:15 pm, Mar. 12. RSVP: 772-334-2584; gardenclubofstuart.org.

“Hello, Dolly!”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., Mar. 13-Apr. 1. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

Horse Drawn Wagon Ride: Listen to tales, 45-min. ride. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 16450 SE US 1., Hobe Sound, 10 am, Mar. 13. Ages 8+. $10. Reservation: 772-546-2067; .

Open House: Redeemer Lutheran School, 2450 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 6:30-8 pm, Mar. 13. 772-286-0932; redeemerstuart.com.

Painting Still-Lifes: Quickly and easily with Marlene Evans Putnam. Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 1 pm, Mar. 14. .

Native American Medicinal Plants: For the Florida garden. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge & Nature Center, 13640 S.E. US 1, 7:30 pm, Mar. 15. Ages 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; .

Sandra Day O’Connor: Live telecast, part of NYC-based 92nd Street Y series. BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Mar. 15. $15. Ticket: 561-712-5226; jcconline.com.

Generous Genealogist: Bring your research problems. Church of the Latter Day Saints, 2401 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 10 am-5 pm., Mar. 15. Adults. Reservation: 772-567-7463; .

Surf Contest: Single Fin Showdown, surfers to ride retro surfboards. 8 am, Mar. 17, south end of Stuart Beach, 889 NE Ocean Blvd., $45. Registration: Benefits United Way. 772-287-0041.

Luck O’ The Irish: A Comedy Revue, look at St. Patrick’s Day with Improv & Sketch. The Atlantic Theater, 6743 W. Indiantown Rd #34, Jupiter, 8 pm, Mar. 17. 13+. $16. Ticket: 561-575-4942; TheAtlanticTheater.com.”Breakfast & Brushes”: Watercolor class, breakfast; no experience necessary; all supplies included. Fish House Art Center, Studio B, 4745 SE DeSoto Ave., Port Salerno, 9-11 am, Mar. 17, 31, Apr. 14. Ages 18-80. $35. Reservation: 772-343-8189; watercolorgallery.net.

Spring Training Classic Road Race: 5K and 10K road race. Roger Dean Stadium, 4751 Main St., Jupiter, 7:30 am, Mar. 18. $35. Register: springtrainingclassic.com. Also: Cops-N-Kids Fun Run: 6 pm, Mar. 17.

Talking Graphics with Waterscapes: Jane Davis Doggett art exhibition. Maritime & Classic Boat Museum, 1707 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, Opening reception 5-7 pm Mar. 18. Exhibit Mar. 19 – Apr. 18. Reservations: 772-692-1234; mcbmfl.org.

Shop to Give: Lunch event combines shopping, philanthropy for the Library Foundation. Yacht and Country Club of Stuart, 3883 SE Fairway East, 11:30 am-2:30 pm, Mar. 19. Ages 21+. $150. Ticket: 772-221-1409; libraryfoundationmc.org.

The Big Taste: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach, Martin counties event. Evergreen Club, 4225 SW Bimini Cir. South, Palm City, 5 pm, Mar. 20. TheBigTaste.net; 772-283-8373.

“With The Marines At Tarawa”: Presented by Martin County’s U.S. Marines & F.M.F. Corpsmen. Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Rd., Stuart, 10 am, Mar. 21. PG-13. 772-781-8176; .

ARTtalk Lecture Series: Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City, 2 pm. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us.

Mar. 21: Janet Batet, Jose A. Navarrete, “The Art Fair: How Basel, Venice & Miami Are Influencing the Production of Art”

Apr. 18: Jane du Brin, “The Influence of Modernist Ideals on Artists’ Treatment of the Figure”

May 16: Niurka Barroso, Deborah Gooch, Amarilis Velis, “Three Women Artists: Aesthetics & Identity”

Palm Beach International Boat Show: Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach, noon-7 pm, Mar. 22; 10 am-7 pm, Mar. 23-24; 10 am-6 pm, Mar. 25. $0-$14. 800-940-7642; ShowManagement.com.

Wildlife Management Challenges: Changing climate, concerns for wildlife. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge & Nature Center, 13640 SE US 1, 7:30 pm, Mar. 22. Ages 8+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; .

South Florida Music Fest: Bluegrass, acoustic music. Abacoa Town Center, Jupiter, 1-10 pm Mar. 23, 11 am-10 pm Mar. 24. $20-$30; Benefits Healing Touch Buddies. Ticket: 561-744-1760; SouthFloridaMusicFest.info.

Mutt Derby: Fur Seasons, 1310 SW Treasure Coast Commerce Way, Stuart, 8:45 am-12:30 pm, Mar. 24. $10 to race; benefits Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. 772-286-8283; thefurseasonsresort.com.

Atlantic Classical Orchestra: Piano quintets by Beach & Schumann.Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart. 772-221-1403; library.martin.fl.us. 11 am, Mar. 24.

ArtsFest 2012: Memorial Park, 80 E Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 10 am-5 pm, Mar. 24-25. Donation: $3. 772-287-6676; martinarts.org.

Secret Gardens Tour: Garden Club of Stuart, 10 am-4 pm, Mar. 24-25. $25. Ticket: 772-485-9092; gardenclubofstuart.org.

Our Sister’s Place Casino Night: Mangrove Bay, 110 Mangrove Bay Way, Jupiter, 5 pm, Mar. 24. Ages 21+. $60. Reservation: 561-744-6997; oursistersplace.com.

Cattle Barons Ball: Rockin H Ranch, Hendry Family Ranch, Palm City, 6 pm, Mar. 24. $200. Register: 772-287-7467.

Evening Of Excellence: Music by Eclipse; Bids for Kids auction. Mariner Sands Country Club, 6500 SE Mariner Sands Dr., Stuart, 6 pm, Mar. 24. $150. Benefits Education Foundation. Ticket: 772-215-0075; educationalfoundationmc.org.

Previvor Conference: Admirals Cove Clubhouse, 200 Admirals Cove Blvd., Jupiter, 7:30 am-1:30 pm, Mar. 24. Registration: 561-427-0172; .

Gardens Tour, Ramble: Martin County gardens, 621 Palm Beach Rd., Stuart, 10 am- 4 pm, Mar. 24-25. Ticket: 772-971-4977; gardenclubofstuart.org.

John Pizzarelli Quartet: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, Mar. 25. $50. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

PosiPalooza: Concert, New Thought artists. Unity of Stuart, 211 SE Central Pkwy., 7 pm, Mar. 25. $20. Ticket: 772-286-3878; unityofstuart.org.

Jay And The Americans: ’60s pop legends. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, Mar. 26. $50-$65. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

You Go Girl!: Women’s charity trade show. Frenchman’s Reserve, 3370 Grande Corniche, Palm Beach Gardens, 2-7 pm, Mar. 27. $10. Ticket: 561-747-9550; yougogirljupiter.com.

Barley Barber Swamp: Guided tour through cypress preserve. Seminole Inn, 15885 SW Warfield Blvd., Indiantown, 7:30 am, Mar. 28. Ages 8+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; .

Every Woman Is My Sister Fundraiser: A celebration of survivors, featuring Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos. Willoughby Golf Club, Stuart, 5:30, Mar. 29. $125. 772-223-2399; .

Atlantic Classical Orchestra: Featuring Luis Gomez, Double Bass. Lyric Theater, 59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, 4 pm, 8 pm, Mar. 30. $55-$60. Ticket: 866-310-7521; acomusic.org/store/Stuart-Lyric-Theatre.html.

Filming Nature’s Wonders Around The World: Award-winning cameraman shares work. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge & Nature Center, 13640 US 1, 7:30 pm, Mar. 30. Ages 6+. Reservation: 772-546-2067; .

“Romeo & Juliet”: Florida Classical Ballet Theatre. Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, 7:30 pm, Mar. 30-31; 2 pm, Mar. 31. $22-$32. Ticket: 561-207-5900; palmbeachstate.edu/x13030.xml.

Centerstage: Acts by Mo’s Danceworks, JB4, Jensen Beach High School Choir, South Fork High School Choir, Stuart School of Music; Eileen Hatt & Craig Galvin, etc. The Lyric’s Flagler Center, 201 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, 6 pm, Mar. 31. $60. Ticket: 772-233-2393; connectingmartinkids.com.

Baby, We’ve Got It!: St. Luke’s fashion show, lunch. Miles Grant Country Club, 5101 SE Miles Grant Rd., Stuart, 11 am, Mar. 31. $35. Reservation: 772-219-7350; stlukesfl.org.

APRIL EVENTS

Mark Bittman: Live telecast, part of NYC-based 92nd Street Y series. BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Apr. 10. $15. Ticket: 561-712-5226; jcconline.com.

Ballet Folklorico: Mexican dancers, musicians. Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, Apr. 11. $25-$30. Ticket: 561-207-5900; eisseycampustheatre.org.

Creative Cocktails Creative Couture: Woman’s Club of Stuart, 729 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 5:30-8:30pm, Apr. 13. Ages 21+. $30-$35. Ticket: 772-834-8508; womansclubofstuart.com.

2012 Stuart Sailfish Regatta: Benefits USS Sailing Center, Children’s Museum and Maritime Museum. Stuart Causeway. 10 am, Apr. 13-15. stuartsailfishregatta.org.

Taste of Success International Wine Tasting: Harbour Bay Plaza, 3766 SE Ocean Blvd., Sewall’s Point, 6 pm, Apr. 14. $50-$150; benefits Helping People Succeed Foundation. Reservation: 772-320-0776; hpsfl.org.

MAY EVENTS

Madeleine Albright: Live telecast, part of NYC-based 92nd Street Y series. BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, 8 pm, May 3. $15. Ticket: 561-712-5226; jcconline.com.

“Henry And Mudge”: Kids Korner Series. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 6 pm, May 4. $12. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

“Pippin”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm May 18-19, 2 pm May 20. $15-$20. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

JUNE EVENTS

“Bye Bye Birdie”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, June 29-30. $15-$20. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

JULY EVENTS

“Willy Wonka Jr.”: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E Indiantown Rd., 7:30 pm, July 27-28. $15-$20. Ticket: 561-575-2223; jupitertheatre.org.

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Feb
22

Lowdown on the 2012 Brit nominees

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1329904574 88 Lowdown on the 2012 Brit nominees

From household names to newcomers, we take an affectionate (and sometimes irreverent) look at all 46 artists nominated for the 2012 Brit Awards.

Brief bio: Prolific poster boy of alternative country, who once described his music as "a Hallmark card if it was written in disappointment".

Nominated for: International male

What they say: "The caricature painted of him over the years of a difficult, moody rock star with a ferocious appetite for drugs and booze is light years away from the polite, friendly, open man sipping a cup of tea in the sunshine." [The Quietus]

What we say: We're still waiting for Ryan to form a supergroup with Bryan and Oleta. They could call it The Adams Family.

Brief bio: One-woman saviour of the British record industry, whose voice literally exploded halfway through 2011.

Nominated for: Best British female, Best British single (Someone Like You), Best British album (21)

What they say: "She can seethe, sob, rasp, swoop, lilt and belt, in ways that draw more attention to the song than to the singer." [New York Times]

What we say: She hates to turn up out of the blue, uninvited… but the Brits is certain to welcome Adele back with open arms. And a few trophies.

Brief bio: Sheffield musical prodigies, led by kitchen sink wordsmith Alex Turner. Their first album was the UK's fastest-selling debut in history until it was overtaken by Susan Boyle.

Nominated for: Best group

They say: "Being up there in the limelight is something that didn't come naturally to me at all. But now I'm doing stupid crowd participation things. I have started to enjoy that side of things." [Alex Turner, speaking to 6 Music]

What we say: Turner says he's stopped writing about "chip shops" and "taxi ranks" but his dry wit hasn't dried up. See, for example, the title track to their latest album Suck It And See: "That's not a skirt, girl, that's a sawn-off shotgun… and I can only hope you've got it aimed at me."

Brief bio: Booty-shaking, record-breaking, man-baiting, Grammy-taking, hit-creating, mother-of-one. Quite popular.

Nominated for: International female

What they say: "Such was her long-stemmed beauty, as she prowled and strutted in search of her missing skirt, that among the audience of 170,000 people there were young men who passed out standing up, their eyes wide open." [Telegraph]

What we say: According to the lyrics of 1+1, Beyonce "don't know much about algebra", but she's definitely got talent where it counts.

Brief bio: Innovative Icelandic musician, multimedia artist and noise provocateur. Her latest album, Biophilia, is available as a series of interactive iPad apps.

Nominated for: International female

She says: "How I hear music is more related to nature. It's not related to some Christian German guys, Bach and Beethoven. I don't mean that in a bad way. I totally respect Christians and Germans, it's just that I think there should be versatility." [National Geographic]

What we say: If Bjork wins for her latest album Biophilia it will, by implication, mean the first ever Brit award for featured vocalist Sir David Attenborough.

Brief bio: Consultant-turned-rapper-turned-crooner, whose austerity anthem I Need A Dollar tapped into the mood of a nation.

Nominated for: International male, International breakthrough

What they say: "He is an informed conversationalist, speaking calmly on all manner of topics, from breakdancing to Noam Chomsky." [Telegraph]

What we say: It's a good thing Aloe adopted a stage name – Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III would be hard to engrave on a statue.

Brief bio: The Harold Pinter of dubstep, known for minimalist soundscapes punctuated by long… pauses. Not to be confused with the US tennis player.

Nominated for: Best British male

What they say: "On one hand, I don't understand this at all. On the other, it's just incredible music". [Comment on Blake's YouTube page]

What we say: Like Sudoku or a bank heist, James Blake's album is difficult but rewarding.

Brief bio: Revitalised Britpop survivors, fronted by musical polymath Damon Albarn.

Recipients of: Outstanding contribution to music

They say: "I've been to the Brits only two or three times [and] I felt slightly guilty about winning. I was worried that people would think we were spoilt brats. This time, sod it, I'm just going to lap it up I think." [Guitarist Graham Coxon, talking to The Daily Record]

What we say: Blur's outstanding contribution prize comes five years after arch-rivals Oasis took home the trophy. So that's that argument settled.

Brief bio: AKA Justin Vernon, whose moody debut For Emma, Forever Ago was famously recorded alone, in a snowbound log cabin. The self-titled follow-up won Vernon a Grammy for best new artist.

Nominated for: Best international male, international breakthrough

What they say: "Amorphous and triumphant — a haze of acoustic guitars, airy synthesizers and tumbling drums floating beneath Vernon's hallucinogenic yowl, like two stratus clouds overlapping in a dream" [Washington Post]

What we say: Bon Iver's success has led to the creation of tribute band Bon Joviver, who cover soft rock classics with Vernon's distinctively spectral harmonies.

Brief bio: Enigmatic singer-songwriter whose latest record is a concept album about snow. Her debut single, Wuthering Heights, was the first British number one to be both written and sung by a woman.

Nominated for: Best British female

She says: "I'm really looking forward to taking a break." [Huffington Post]

What we say: Glaciers move faster than Kate Bush's release schedule, so the appearance of two albums in 2011 made her Brits nomination almost a certainty.

Brief bio: Bird-like Twickenham singer with a voice like a hurricane. Her self-titled debut album was nominated for a Mercury in 2011.

Nominated for: British breakthrough act

What they say: "It almost feels like going into a trance when I sing." [Interview Magazine]

What we say: Anna Calvi wrote the bulk of her album in her parents attic – she must have had lofty ambitions [you're fired - ed].

Brief bio: South London dance duo Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status). Their mixture of rave, rock and ribcage-rattling bass won them a headline slot on Glastonbury's West Holts stage, where Saul celebrated his 30th birthday.

Nominated for: Best group

What they say: "Cherry-picks the chunkiest, most accessible, lowest-common-denominator features of half a dozen genres and splices them together into a Frankenstein's monster of an album, in which the modern Prometheus is lurching forward to catch the kitchen sink he's just been thrown." [Guardian]

What we say: The only British dance act with a nomination, despite a resurgence for the genre in 2011. Unlikely to win, nonetheless.

Brief bio: Chart-toppling giants of soft rock, whose latest album hit number one in more than 30 countries. Frontman Chris Martin has two main lyrical themes: "Everything is going to be OK" and "I'm very sorry".

Nominated for: Best British album (Mylo Xyloto)

What they say: "Coldplay's semi-experimental approach to arena anthems has made them one of the most commercially successful rock band of the 2000s." [Billboard]

What we say: Chris Martin says he "made up" the words Mylo Xyloto and that we, the listeners, should determine the meaning. Bet he's a nightmare at Scrabble.

Brief bio: Big-hearted poets of English suburbia. Their fifth album, Build A Rocket, Boys! was an understated, tender reaction to the success of their Mercury-winning breakthrough The Seldom Seen Kid.

Nominated for: Best group

They say: "You can't completely ignore the fact that when you've had a bit of success, people – especially financiers – are expecting more of the same, but we didn't let it change the way we wrote." [Frontman Guy Garvey, Paste Magazine]

What we say: Garvey got in trouble with his band when he drunkenly announced the title of his album on radio. Imagine what secrets he might give away after a night of free record company booze at the Brits.

Brief bio: Garrulous dance guru, whose stage name derives from the fact his initials are E.G. (Elliot Gleave). His third album, Playing In The Shadows, debuted at number one.

Nominated for: Best British single (Changed The Way You Kissed Me)

He says: "This album was aimed at getting me into arenas. And it has." [This Is London]

What we say: Hit single Stay Awake features the world's worst product endorsement deal, as Example promises to "stick around like Elastoplast".

Brief bio: Leslie Feist from Nova Scotia, purveyor of quirky, textured folk-pop. Her career received a boost when Apple chose the lighthearted single 1-2-3-4 for an iPod commercial.

Nominated for: Best international female

What they say: "Her voice shines in a downcast way, drawing just the right amount of emotion from the lyrics, never overwrought or melodramatic but potent nonetheless." [New Zealand Herald]

What we say: When Shia LeBeouf insisted on playing Feist's album on the set of Transformers 3, director Michael Bay stormed off the set. Is there any way we could book Feist's next tour around the production schedule for Transformers 4?

Brief bio: Seattle five-piece, whose rustic harmonies and flashes of psychedelia recall Fairport Convention and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Nominated for: Best international group

What they say: "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and beards" [Spin]

What we say: Hirsuites you, sir.

Brief bio: Pale-faced musical foghorn Florence Welch and her ragtag band of minstrels. Fond of percussion. Mad as a hatstand.

Nominated for: Best British female, Best British album (Ceremonials)

She says: "I wanted to call this whole record just Violence. A violent emotion. You can feel things violently. It's a beautiful word." [USA Today]

What we say: This is the sort of music you hear just before they sacrifice you to the volcano gods.

Brief bio: Rock survivors, who rose from the ashes of Nirvana and fought their way through the ranks. One of their 2011 shows triggered volcanic tremors in New Zealand.

Nominated for: Best international group

Dave Grohl says: "It's weird when there's a kid on the bill who comes up and says, 'Your band was my first concert'. You just think, 'Oh no. I'm that guy, now? What am I, Gandalf?'" [Entertainment Weekly]

What we say: Rock and Roll isn't dead, it's just hibernating in Dave Grohl's beard.

Brief bio: LA indie pop quartet. Their background as jingle writers shines through in their supremely catchy pop hooks.

Nominated for: International breakthrough

What they say: "Foster The People make infectiously good music, don't stick to a formula and make you yearn to lie on your back in the middle of a field, feeling the hot sun streaming down on your face." [Music OMH]

What we say: The band's breakthrough hit Pumped Up Kicks is the best pop song about a high school massacre since I Don't Like Mondays.

Brief bio: Former Oasis guitarist and his furious eyebrows, now striking out with solo project Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.

Nominated for: Best British male

He says: "It is a new sound… but only from taking things away. The excesses of Oasis, like the extra guitars, I just took 'em away. I didn't add anything." [Music Radar]

What we say: The most famous roadie the Inspiral Carpets ever had.

Brief bio: French DJ-turned-producer, whose thumping dance tracks are fronted by R&B royalty from Usher to Rihanna.

Nominated for: Best international male

What he says: "I think America was always scared of dance music. We came with a new sound, creating that bridge between the electro culture that comes from Europe and the urban culture that is more American – it's such magic." [Idolator]

What we say: Would you recognise David Guetta if he fell out of a hammock labelled "this is David Guetta's hammock"?

Brief bio: The only person to have won the Mercury Prize twice, Polly Jean Harvey's latest album narrates the grim effects of war on generations of English soldiers.

Nominated for: Best British album (Let England Shake)

She says: "It took four years of writing before I ended up with the songs on this record, and I had to discard a huge amount of material." [BBC]

What we say: In the 1990s, Radio 1 presenter Emma Freud introduced her as "PJ and Harvey". Sadly, Polly's version of Let's Get Ready To Rhumble wasn't a patch on the original.

Brief bio: Two titans of hip-hop, joining forces for a gold-plated album of rap duets. The gold-plating was literal for anyone who invested in the deluxe CD.

Nominated for: Best international group

What they say: "Just two guys sitting on a stoop, telling stories, lamenting the mistakes they've made, expressing hope that the next generation might learn something from them." [New York Times]

What we say: The rappers also go by the names Hova and Yeezy which, coincidentally, are the noises we made last time we had an asthma attack.

Brief bio: Fright-wigged pop banshee, who released the best-selling debut album of 2011.

Nominated for: Best British female, British breakthrough act, Best British single (Price Tag)

She says: "I see my music as Emotional Therapeutic Pop music that bleeds into loads of different genres." [Seventeen]

What we say: "It ain't about the cha-ching, cha-ching; Ain't about the ba-bling, ba-bling" is now the official slogan of the Eurozone.

Brief bio: Perennially popular male vocal harmony group, already hard at work on their fourth album.

Nominated for: Best British single (She Makes Me Wanna)

What they say: "They may be more popular than Simon Cowell could possibly have imagined – he turned them down twice, you know – but JLS are no musical innovators." [BBC Music]

What we say: Marvin! Oritse! Aston! JB! They tend to sing about "da club" a lot, as this is where the Honeys regularly spend the evening.

Brief bio: Respected producer, who gives life to the music of Laura Marling, Kings Of Leon, Ryan Adams and Emmylou Harris, amongst others.

Recipient of: Best British producer (awarded last week)

What they say: "He's very, very patient, and he's got a very good ear. He's the first person I go to with my songs." [Laura Marling]

What we say: A hugely talented producer, Johns learnt the trade from his father, Glyn Johns, who sat behind the mixing desk for The Eagles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.

Brief bio: Grandiloquent rockers, based in Leicester. Claimed their fourth album Velociraptor! would change people's lives.

Nominated for: Best group

They say: "Velociraptors used to hunt in packs of four. They were the rock'n'roll band of the dinosaurs." [Guitarist Serge Pizzorno in the NME]

What we say: Oh come on, everyone knows the most rock'n'roll dinosaur is the Brachylophosaurus.

Brief bio: Country trio formed in Nashville (where else?) six years ago. A big crossover act in the US, they recently won the Grammy for best country album.

Nominated for: Best international group

The band says: "We wont just throw a fiddle on the song if it doesn't really call for it." [The Banter]

What we say: Lady A's perfect smiles are no accident – guitarist David Haywood's dad invented teeth bleaching in the 1980s.

Brief bio: Shy, subtle, retiring performer of popular song. Once attended an awards ceremony in a dress made of meat.

Nominated for: Best international female

What they say: "Excess is Gaga's riskiest musical gamble, but it's also her greatest weapon… While most 21st-Century pop stars pulverize their imperfections into an Auto-Tuned slurry, she boldly wears her audacity like a meat dress." [Spin]

What we say: Why don't people make more fuss about the meat dress?

Brief bio: Long-legged pop waif, born Victoria Louise Lott in 1991. Skipped school to get a recording contract at the age of 15 and earned her first platinum disc three years later.

Nominated for: Best British single (All About Tonight)

What they say: "Even with a newfound smokiness to her vocals, she delivers all the passion of a student singing in school assembly." [Independent]

What we say: For her new album Pixie wrote a tribute to Stevie Wonder called Stevie On The Radio, then persuaded Stevie Wonder to play harmonica on it. How postmodern.

Brief bio: Wan, shy folk singer from Hampshire. The surprise winner of last year's best British female award, she released her haunting third album A Creature I Don't Know in September.

Nominated for: Best British female

What they say: "While she may not be a particularly revealing performer, she's an extremely commanding one" [Pitchfork]

What we say: Last year, Laura gave her Brits trophy to her mum. Another one would really help bring the room together.

Brief bio: Briefly popular chart rock band, whose career was revitalised by radio-friendly disco stomper Moves Like Jagger.

Nominated for: Best international group

They say: "Only Jagger has the moves like Jagger. But it's attainable… I don't think anyone could claim to have the moves like James Brown, or the moves like Michael Jackson, or the moves like Prince." [singer Adam Levine on NPR]

What we say: No doubt inspired by Mick Jagger's anti-establishment politics, Maroon 5 recently created their own flavour of iced tea.

Brief bio: Hawaiian-born soul star whose backing band are tighter than lycra. Co-wrote Cee-Lo's Forget You and scored a trio of number ones with solo singles Just The Way You Are, Grenade and The Lazy Song.

Nominated for: Best international male

What they say: "His skill is an ease with both old‑fashioned songcraft and hip‑hop swagger." [Guardian]

What we say: Fans of genetic improbability will be pleased to know that Bruno recently tweeted "I'm pretty sure I'm pregnant".

Brief bio: A choir of (you guessed it) Military Wives, put together for a TV show. Their love song, Wherever You Are, sold 631,000 copies and was the 2011 Christmas Number One.

Nominated for: Best British single (Wherever You Are)

They say: "I can't believe that I can actually sit here on Christmas Day and say I've got a single out that is number one… it feels unreal." [Choir member Emma Williams]

What we say: The best chart act the armed forces have produced since Robson and Jerome.

Brief bio: Outlandish, Trinidadian-born musician who rose to fame by upstaging the likes of Lil Wayne and Mariah Carey with guests verses on their singles.

Nominated for: International breakthrough

What they say: "One of Minaj's most endearing qualities is, despite the funny faces, the fact that she's an MC with her heart on her sleeve and a sad story to tell." [No Ripcord]

What we say: Nicki has recorded a concept album about her alter-ego Roman Zolanski. We are not making this stuff up.

Brief bio: Armed with a guitar and tender vocals, Morrison tackled the death of his father on third album The Awakening, which quietly charted at number one last autumn.

Nominated for: Best British male

He says: "I'd love to do a side-project where I'm not James Morrison, I just put a vocal on a fat beat or something." [Female First]

What we say: A deserving nominee, given his cross-generational appeal, but Morrisson remains as popular and edgy as a facecloth.

Brief bio: Perma-grinning X Factor nice guy who scored two number one singles in 2011. Your mum likes him.

Nominated for: Best British single (Heart Skips A Beat)

He says: "That's probably the best thing about being famous… you are able to help and support other people and make a difference." [The Banter]

What we say: Cliff Richard for the 21st Century.

Brief bio: X-Factor endorsed boy band. Average age 18-and-a-half.

Nominated for: Best British single (What Makes You Beautiful)

What they say: "Aimed solidly at teenage girls (and boys) who are waiting for somebody to be secretly in love with them, What Makes You Beautiful is so unthreatening it might have to think twice about holding hands." [NME]

What we say: One Direction have fans who call themselves The Directionettes. They throw carrots at the band when they play live. Carrots.

Brief bio: Kermit-voiced rapper, born in Hackney. Formerly known as Stephen Manderson, he has transcended his past as an "angry youth" to become one of the UK's most successful hip-hop artists.

Nominated for: Best British male

What they say: "It's easy to understand the appeal of Professor Green, the gobby class clown who's always disrupting lessons with a crude comment. Problem is, he could really do with some fresher jokes." [NME]

What we say: In his number one single Read All About It, Professor Green confesses: "I write songs I can't listen to." Don't be so hard on yourself, son, they're not that bad.

Brief bio: Cartoonishly pretty, enigmatic femme fatale with a line in alluring noir pop. Despite the success of her debut single Video Games, she is plagued by accusations of inauthenticity by critics incensed that she (gasp) changed her name.

Nominated for: International breakthrough

She says: "I love to sing and I really love to write, but in terms of being onstage, I'm not that comfortable." [GQ]

What we say: Basically a musical incarnation of The Great Gatsby's Daisy Buchanan.

Brief bio: Bajan pop princess with an astonishing work rate. Rihanna has released six albums in seven years, and played 10 dates at the O2 arena in 2011.

Nominated for: Best international female

What they say: "I wish no ill will against Rihanna and her friends. Perhaps they could acquaint themselves with a greater God." [Northern Irish farmer and local councillor Alan Graham, who put an end to the singer's raunchy video shoot on his land last October]

What we say: Needs no introduction. A mainstay of the Brits and a phenomenally successful artist. She won this prize last year, and could easily do it again in 2012.

Brief bio: Former medical student with a knack for writing catchy, classy R&B hooks. A stellar 2011 saw her reach number one with Professor Green before launching her solo career with top 10 hit Heaven.

Nominated for: British breakthrough act

Recipient of: Critics' Choice award

She says: "If the sun is out, the songs I write are usually rubbish. The best songs come around 2am for me." [Orange Music]

What we say: Aberdeen's other best known exports are Annie Lennox and granite. Sande models her career on one and her hair on the other.

Brief bio: A little bit jazz, a little bit hip-hop, Ed Sheeran is a songwriting prodigy who built his fan base organically through extensive touring. Result: 791,000 albums sold in 2011.

Nominated for: Best British male, British breakthrough act, best British single (A Team), best British album (+)

What they say: "The incessant melodrama can grate, but Sheeran's voice, alternating between soulful huskiness and stuttering sing-speak, is a treat." [Telegraph]

What we say: Ed's fans are like putty in his hands. Hormonal teenage putty.

Brief bio: Wily rock quartet and saviours-du-jour of British guitar music, who mix blistering garage rock with brooding odes to Post Break-Up Sex.

Nominated for: British breakthrough act

What they say: "Guitarist Freddie Cowan is so toffee-nosed he's 14th in line to the throne and gets carried to gigs on a sedan chair." [NME]

What we say: The Vaccines played more than 50 festival dates in 2011 and are slowly turning into falafel.

Brief bio: Five boys next door with a chart-friendly line in ravepop. Vaguely more "rough" than JLS or One Direction, The Wanted have scored two Top 10 albums in as many years.

Nominated for: Best British single (Glad You Came)

They say: "We have to remember that as well as the horny mums who like us, we're writing to girls too, so we don't want to go too overboard." [Jay McGuiness, speaking to Digital Spy]

What we say: They may be heart-throbs but "I decided you look well on me" is the most clunky, unromantic lyric of the year.

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Feb
22

Time Blog About Whitney Houston’s Death Finds Musicians Afraid of Similar Fate

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1329903343 51 Time Blog About Whitney Houstons Death Finds Musicians Afraid of Similar Fate

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:20:37

Go here or scroll down to read Time’s blog post on the death of Whitney Houston, where multiple musicians spoke about wanting to avoid a similar date. Here is the text of the blog from Time magzazine. After Whitney Houston, Musicians Say: I’m Afraid Why the music industry is still plagued by early deaths and fearing strokes more than bullets. The death of Whitney Houston has inspired some soul-searching in the music world. “I’m obsessed with why our heroes are not making it past 50,” Questlove told me on the Grammy red carpet as I interviewed him for Fuse. He sounded alarmed and said he now knows he must make changes in his life and in the lives of musicians around him. “I already gave my whole band the speech. We gotta live different. Lack of sleep, not watching what we eat, extra patron in the rider. No more. I wanna be old. This is a wake-up call like no other. And I’m obsessed with the health of everybody I know in this industry.” He’s already in the process of hiring a trainer and a nutritionist. “I’m not worried about bullets, I’m worried about strokes. Strokes are the new bullets.” Whitney was 48 years young, and we don’t yet know why she died. She was found unconscious submerged in a bathtub, but her age links her to a slew of musicians who recently died prematurely, from Michael Jackson at 50 to Heavy D at 44 to Nate Dogg at 41 to Amy Winehouse at 27. Rock once had an ethos of live fast, die young and leave a beautiful corpse, but those days are long gone. We’re in a more corporate era, where artists are often business savvy and focused on building lasting careers. This year’s Grammys opened with a song by Bruce Springsteen and closed with a performance by Paul McCartney, evidence that longevity is being celebrated. So why are we still seeing singers and rappers dying prematurely of suicide, drug overdose and heart attacks that are suggestive of bodies and minds being mistreated over long periods of time? This may not be as tragic as other societal epidemics, but there’s never an appropriate time to play “Whose Pain Is Worse?” The deaths of treasured artists are a loss for us all and send out horrible messages about what it means to be one. So what I’m wondering is, Why are so many talented musicians not making it to senior citizenship? Before I spoke to Questlove, I interviewed Rick Ross, who recently suffered two seizures in one day. He told me he blames the seizures on “exhaustion,” (which could refer to many things). He said he had been getting two hours of sleep a night. I asked him if he’d made significant life changes. He said he was sleeping more now. Like four hours a night. The attitude that sleeping is for losers is endemic to America and especially the music business. “I used to think there was something heroic in not sleeping,” Questlove said, “then I ended up in the hospital for four days. Happened last November. I’d planned my time on two hours of sleep a day for 20 days in a row. I’d work out, go do the Jimmy Fallon show, work on The Roots album from 8 PM to 2 AM, work on D’Angelo’s album from 2:30 to 6, catnap on his couch then go to the gym. Did that 15, 20 days in a row, but if you don’t sleep that long your immune system is worn out and you’re susceptible to all kinds of diseases. I got coxsackie virus, which adults aren’t even supposed to get. I couldn’t work for two weeks. Couldn’t even hold a drumstick. The result of not sleeping. You think it’s cool and rebellious, but it’s not.” I think Ross is typical of most successful modern artists in that he never really stops working. Nowadays hot stars must remain in our faces and ears perpetually; they must be ubiquitous, releasing albums and mixtapes and doing guest verses on other people’s songs as well as shooting videos, doing press, occasionally acting and relentlessly touring. When Ross had his seizures, he was flying to do multiple shows in multiple cities in a day. Surely he isn’t the only one attempting that. That can be done once in a while but placed within a constant year of incessant globe-trotting and almost ceaseless work amidst poor health, bad nutrition, insufficient sleep and the infusion of liquor and unhealthy chemicals, well then it can add up to a potent cocktail. Most fans have no understanding of the physical challenge of touring. That these artists are living a dream life is true and beside the point. The roar of the crowd is seductive and lucrative, but to hear it there’s a price to pay. You perform at the edge of your physical and emotional capabilities, then jump on a bus or a plane and do it again a night or two later and repeat this pattern for months on end. Many artists nowadays use downtime while touring to record new music, either in a special tour bus or in studios along the road. This adds to the physically rigorous, athletic challenge of touring, one that can break some people. An industry vet once told me, “I’ve seen touring make grown men cry.” This can take a toll on the body and also leave you struggling to find yourself as you’ve been away for months in a strange, otherworldly bubbled existence. Adele told me about the emotional impact of touring (this, before she ruined her vocal chords, which are thinner than guitar strings, because of too much touring while also chain-smoking, thus not taking care of her instrument). Adele said she felt lost when she returned home from tour to find her best friends married to men she’d never met or holding children she’d never seen in the womb. Life was passing her by. That sort of dislocation from the real world, as well as the intoxication of the cheering, can lead some to fill the void with chemicals legal and illegal, that can give you a rush and take away the pain. Temporarily. Athletes do something similar to touring, but they have teammates to help them rest during the contests. Also, because they’re athletes, most of them take care of their bodies. The world of music, with its big money, fast-lane excess, has many temptations. Destructive behavior is excused and even encouraged as it can make artists seem cool because it harkens back to that old live-fast/rock vibe. We cannot know what exactly made Whitney’s body give out, but she is part of a pattern that is too large to ignore. There is a body-ravaging norm of excess that is claiming too many music stars and a culture of enablers surrounding them who are comfortable looking the other way if they’re productive. Longevity has to do with good health and sometimes protecting someone from themselves is required. I’ll never forget talking to RZA about him watching Ol’ Dirty Bastard do crack shortly before his early death. RZA will spend the rest of his life wishing he’d done more to save his brother. If we do nothing, the entire music community will swell with more regretful RZAs and dead Ol’ Dirty Bastards. Poignant (and well-written) stuff. What did you think of the Time blog post and the comments of other artists in the wake of Houston’s passing? —Maggie Pannacione02.16.12

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Feb
22

Heidi Klum Wears Wedding Ring While Picking Up Kids from Karate Lessons

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1329902135 20 Heidi Klum Wears Wedding Ring While Picking Up Kids from Karate Lessons

Heidi Klum may not have given up on her seven-year marriage to Seal just yet. She was spotted over the weekend wearing her wedding ring when she was picking up her children from karate lessons. According to Hollywood Life, Heidi picked up her four children and she made no attempts at hiding her wedding ring. Seal has also shown his wedding ring in public, which surely has everyone wondering. If they have announced their separation, why are they still wearing their wedding bands?

While Seal is wearing his wedding ring out of respect for Heidi, she hasn’t shared why she is still wearing hers. Sure, it would be out of respect, but perhaps she is just seeing this as a temporary split while Seal works out his anger issues. Perhaps Heidi Klum is still wearing her ring because of what Seal said about her on Piers Morgan, calling her an incredible woman.

“You don’t all of a sudden one day to the next — unless you’re those types of people — just say I hate you and take off your wedding ring. What this means to me and what it stands for, it stands for respect. It stands for loyalty, it stands for incredible memories and it stands for these four little miracles and Heidi making five that have come into my life over the past eight years,” Seal has said.

It seems like Heidi and Seal will make up after handling their issues with professionals.

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Feb
22

THE EARTH STARTS TO RUMBLE AS THREE TRACKS FROM METAL PIONEERS MEGADETH COME TO THE ROCK BAND MUSIC STORE!

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1329900918 31 THE EARTH STARTS TO RUMBLE AS THREE TRACKS FROM METAL PIONEERS MEGADETH COME TO THE ROCK BAND MUSIC STORE!(These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation®3 system February 22nd)

Tracks marked with “X” will offer Pro Guitar and Pro Bass expansions for $0.99 per song.

Price:                    $5.49, £2.49 UK, €3.99 EU (440 Microsoft Points, 550 Wii Points™) for “Megadeth Pack 01”$1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points, 200 Wii Points™) per song$0.99 USD (100 Wii Points™/80 Microsoft Points), £0.59 UK, €0.79 EU per song for eligible Pro Guitar/Pro Bass upgrade

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

*Available on-disc, via download and disc export. Internet connection and export key purchase required. Wii™ Shop Channel has more than 1,500 song tracks available for purchase on the Rock Band platform on-disc, via song import, and download. Not applicable to Nintendo DS™.

Website Links:For more information, please visit:

Rock Band 3 is available for Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 system and Wii™ versions support downloadable content.

Downloadable content for Wii™ is purchased via the in-game Rock Band Music Store using Wii Points™ purchased through the Wii™ Shop Channel and can be downloaded to the system memory or to an SD card for additional storage.  The tracks stream directly from the SD card for seamless play.

The Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom Rock Band library.  The complete list of tracks can be found at rockband.com/songs.

Rock Band 3 is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, suggestive themes) by the ESRB. Music downloads are not rated by the ESRB.

For more information on Rock Band3 and Harmonix Music Systems please visitrockband.com  and harmonixmusic.com.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo.

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Feb
22

Lost souls

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1329899719 82 Lost souls

Two giants of popular music in the US, bandleader, drummer, disc jockey and talent scout Johnny Otis and singer Etta James, passed away recently, Otis at 90 and James in her eighties. Both were colossal figures in the development of r’n'b and soul music and both crossed over to international fame and, late though it came for James, success.

I only saw Etta James perform once but it remains etched in my memory. Summer, 1981 and my first ever night in New Orleans. Picked up by a friend of a friend at the airport, we were whisked off to Tipitina’s, a live music club made famous by a song of the same name by Professor Longhair. The Dixie beers flowed as we waited for the great lady to make her entrance, which wasn’t until one-thirty in the morning! By the time, she sashayed onto the stage in a skin-tight fake leopard-skin catsuit, the joint was rocking.

Her powerful voice sent shivers down the spine and she and the band seemed to drive every song to a mad climax. Then she would take it down, changing the mood with one of her trademark sad soul numbers. She sang one of my all-time favourite r’n'b hits, Good Rockin’ Daddy. She teased us, picking out guys in the front to ask them about their love lives, all the while doing things with the microphone that could only have been appreciated by an adult audience.

Two-hours of wonderful, pulsating music by an artist right at the top of her form _ it was one of the highlights of my trip to the Americas. I was ready to just wander off happily into the night with the music still ringing in my ears, when my host said that the night was still young. Time to watch the mist on the river while being served coffee and doughnuts by waiters in white coats. They certainly do things with style in the Deep South.

Greek-American Johnny Otis (born Johnny Veliotes) was born in LA and grew up in an African-American community in Berkeley listening to gospel, blues, jazz and swing. He formed his own band in 1945, had a few minor hits and gained a reputation as a drummer before unleashing several number one r’n'b hits like Double Crossing Blues and Mambo Boogie. Otis quickly got into the groove as a bandleader, songwriter, talent scout and broadcaster; and he was right at the forefront of the Los Angeles saxophone-based r’n'b revolution in the late 1940s/early 1950s (Chicago would be the focus of the other r’n'b style, one dominated by the harmonica not the saxophone).

Otis is said to have also been a key person in the early careers of James Brown and Jackie Wilson and in 1961 he wrote the hit song Every Beat of My Heart for Gladys Night & The Pips.

The smooth bandleader discovered Etta James, hastily arranging an audition and putting her straight to work _ he wrote the 1955 hit The Wallflower for her _ and they made some terrific r’n'b records in the fifties (her work on the Modern label is outstanding). James also signed for Chess Records later in the decade, joining legends like Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon. She stayed at Chess for a long time and saw very little in the way of royalties; at the same time she struggled with drug addiction and would not be clean until the mid-1970s.

Despite her amazing musical legacy, James was only awarded her first Grammy in 1994. Many people made money from her talent and many others copied what she did and how she sang but she survived them all to end her career, before her decline into ill-health, on a high note. There is a very interesting interview by Cliff White in the October 1978 issue of the UK-based Black Music magazine, in which James reveals some of the high and lows of her life and career. It really sums up the gig I saw her play at Tipitina’s, too: “I’m talkin’ about singing and laying it down for ‘em. Y’know, making people crazy an’ burnin’ their ears up. That’s really the direction I wanna go in.”

FUNKY BEATS

On my last DJ night, Ritmo Tropical, plenty of shoe-leather was burnt on the dancefloor. Expect more of the same dancefloor madness for Ritmo Tropical 2, on Friday at Opposite on Sukhumvit Soi 51. Some surprises are in store in the form of music you might not have heard before in Bangkok, such as mbaqanga from South Africa, taraab from Zanzibar and morna from Cape Verde.

Visit oppositebangkok.com.

WORLD MUSIC FESTIVALS

Todd “Tongdee” Lavelle and his chums are putting on two “World music” festivals next month. His regular event in Bangkok, Rhythm of the Earth (RoE), is in its seventh year. This year’s RoE festival will be at CentralWorld on February 15-19 and is headlined by Congolese outfit, Ngoma Za Congo, Los Pleneros de la 21 from Puerto Rico and Native American musician and dancer Kevin Locke, and supported by many local bands. Some of these musicians will be joining tribal musicians in Chiang Rai later for Lavelle’s World Colors Festival on February 23-26. Both festivals are free, so check them out.

OKINAWAN TUNES

Finally, the veteran musician and singer Misako Oshiro from Ishigaki Island in the Okinawan archipelago in southern Japan is performing on February 29 with Kanako Horiuchi at Bangkok’s only Okinawan restaurant, Kinjo, on Sukhumvit 69. Great opportunity to see and hear some traditional Okinawan minyo. Entrance is free.

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