Community Post Type: News

Liverpool John Moores University will look back on its milestone Bicentenary year at an exhibition of work by artist Julia Midgley created during her residency throughout 2023. 

Julia Midgley: Bicentenary Sketchbook – A Window On LJMU’s 200th Anniversary Year will go on public display from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March at the LJMU John Lennon Art and Design Building.  

As Artist in Residence, Julia visited the LJMU campus regularly during the year to capture everything from open days to public lectures, to student projects and graduation celebrations, using her distinctive documentary and reportage style to create a poignant record of a historic year.  

Julia created around 140 individual drawings with watercolour from her time on campus, some of which have been curated for the special exhibition which will also feature large-scale reproductions of the original works, Julia’s sketchbooks and her art materials.   

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Power said: “Julia captured the many different aspects of university life throughout 2023, documenting our milestone anniversary year in her unique style. There’s a real sensory element to Julia’s work – from perfectly capturing the emotion of graduation to the animated delivery of our historic Bicentenary year Roscoe Lecturers – I’m excited for people to see these vibrant works for themselves.”   

In bringing the exhibition to fruition, Julia has worked in collaboration with the Bluecoat’s Director of Cultural Legacies Bryan Biggs, one of LJMU’s Bicentenary Honorary Fellows, and final year History of Art and Museum Studies student Madeleine Pedley, brought onto the project through an innovative internship opportunity through the university’s on-campus recruitment agency Unitemps.  

Bicentenary year Artist in Residence, Julia Midgley, said: “It’s been a real privilege and delight to record the events of LJMU’s Bicentenary year in my sketchbooks through drawing.  Although very familiar with the School of Art and Design the project has introduced me to the many-faceted world of the whole university. Staff and students warmly welcomed me, a professional fly on the wall in their workplaces, and with great courtesy they inspected the sketchbooks. Hopefully the drawings will help others to enjoy the journey.”   

Final-year student and exhibition intern, Madeleine Pedley, said: “It’s been a really great opportunity and it’s always amazing to learn and grow both personally and career-wise. Throughout my internship I’ve been put in a professional environment, and it’s been nice to have professional expectations of your work too. Please do come to the show!”  

Bluecoat’s Director of Cultural Legacies, Bryan Biggs, said: “We did the internship interviews and Madeleine really shone. We’ve been very pleased to work with her and to give her an insight into how you not just organise an exhibition, but how you promote it and that’s something that Maddy is particularly interested in and maybe further down the line she might well go into that area of work. 

“It’s also very special for me to get to collaborate with Julia and LJMU on this exhibition. I got the fellowship in the Bicentenary year – I think there’s even a drawing of me among Julia’s work – and I’ve known Julia for a long time. Encapsulating these moments in drawing, combining accuracy with spontaneity, is a highly skilled practice, one in which Julia excels, and this exhibition demonstrates the continuing vitality of that process.”  

Exhibition opening times and location  

Visit the exhibition from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March, open to the public from 10am to 4pm, at LJMU’s John Lennon Art and Design Building, Duckinfield Street, Liverpool L3 5RD.  

An acclaimed Liverpool musician has launched a new album inspired by an Edwardian era fantasy novel.

Neil Campbell‘s new album, ‘The Smoky God‘, was released on the 8th of March and is based on Willis George Emerson’s 1908 book of the same name.

Emerson’s ‘The Smoky God, or a Voyage Journey to the Inner Earth’, is a story presented as a true account describing the adventures of Olaf Jansen, a Norwegian sailor, who sailed with his father through an entrance to the Earth’s interior at the North Pole.

Their journey spans across their lifetime and for two years the sailor and his father lived with the inhabitants of an underground network of colonies; described by Emerson as ’12 feet tall and whose world was lit by a “smoky” central sun – the ‘Smoky God’.

At the end of the story our protagonist Olaf Jansen returns, via a South Pole passage, to the surface world but nobody believes his fanciful tale and he is institutionalised for many years in an asylum. Only on his deathbed is his personal testimony transcribed by Emerson in the book.

Most of the music for ‘The Smoky God’ was recorded at the end of Campbell’s work with Joey Zeb, Andy Maslivec and Marty Snape in the band Bulbs around 2013.

Campbell recommenced pre-production of this recording in 2016 with Marty Snape in order to perfect the electronics. After moving the project across to Liverpool’s Crosstown Studios with Roger Gardiner on bass and Viktor Nordberg on drums Campbell pulled together all the additional tracking, which involved a great deal of overdubbing.

A continuation of this work with engineer/co-producer Jon Lawton, they have brought to this album many production and arrangement techniques developed across recordings made together over the last five years, culminating in an album that melds progressive rock with systems (minimalist) music in equal measure.

The Smoky God can be ordered as a CD or in digital format now via https://neilcampbell.bandcamp.com/album/the-smoky-god

Jazz Saturdays at Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery is back with its next of shows at the intimate hideaway in Liverpool, featuring some of the leading lights from across the jazz spectrum.

At Liverpool’s longest running jazz weekly, a kaleidoscopic range of jazz sounds grace Ma Boyle’s, inspired by the magic of New Orleans and Brazilian beats to the simmering back streets of Paris, with shows packed out for each date. 

Proudly working with Parrjazz, this new run is particularly special with a true legend performing at Ma’s on Saturday 30th March. The American icon Sid Jacobs is joining up with the UK’s Tom Remon for what promises to be a unique Liverpool show. Further guests include Neil Yates, Blind Monk, Cuba Vida Band, Dean Masser and the Perri Alleyne-Hughes Ensemble.

Ma Boyle’s founder Iain Hoskins says: “We’re very proud of the next round of Jazz Saturdays here at Ma Boyle’s. The team at Parrjazz have once more curated a wonderful range of guests and we are really lucky to have the legendary Sid Jacobs joining us on Saturday March 30th. He’s one of the true American jazz legends on guitar and has performed with some of the greats including Brad Mehldau, Eddie Harris, Larry Goldings, Harold Land and Joe Diorio. And with him, Tom Remon started out with the Tomorrow’s Warriors with Gary Crosby, Binker Golding, and Nathaniel Facey. He’s toured across the UK with MOBO award nominated jazz drummer David Lyttle and regularly performs with artists including Neil Yates, Soweto Kinch, Jonathan Gee and many others on the UK scene. This date is going to raise the roof at Ma’s.”

Tucked away off Water Street and nestled by the beautiful St Nick’s church gardens, Ma Boyle’s has seen the city change all around it whilst staying true to its historic maritime roots. It caters for breakfast brunchers and liquid lunchers to brilliant bistro food with a wonderful range of drinks and irresistible cocktails and is a fabulous hideaway from the city’s hustle and bustle.

In January 2024, the team celebrated 50 years since Ma Boyle’s first relocated to its current home in the Tower Building, years ago famous for its oysters – Ma’s really is a Liverpool institution and part of this ongoing story is Jazz Saturdays. 

All Jazz Saturdays events are completely free and start at 8pm – table can be reserved here 

 

Italian musicians will present two contemporary music concerts as part of a multi-arts spectacular in Liverpool this Friday.

Angel Field Festival returns to Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus this week and next with an action packed line up of art, mythology, theatre, film, music, magic and more.

The festival is an annual celebration named after the farm which was originally located on the site of the current Creative Campus, and brings together an exiting and diverse programme of entertainment. Rich in culture, there’s something for everyone and all the family.

On 8th March at 7:30pm, Roberto Fabbriciani, flautist and composer, presents a concert for the centenary of the birth of Luigi Nono, as a tribute to the composer’s desire to experiment and innovate. Featuring the premiere of a new composition for flute and electronics by Stephen Davismoon, Roberto Fabbriciani – Omaggio a Luigi Nono (2006) for small flute and tape, and Das atmende Klarsein, fragmente (1980/87) for bass flute, tape and live electronics.

At 6.45pm, before the concert, there will also be a pre-concert interview and Q&A with Roberto Fabbriciani himself.

Immediately following the show at 9pm, Florence Acousmatic Music will see a series of recent acousmatic works representing Florence’s influence in bringing together music and new technology. The show will outline a cross section of this educational path, of the professional environment and of the cultural heritage of the city.

For more information, visit the festival’s website here.

John Lewis has unveiled a mural depicting a vibrant collage featuring three influential makers of past and present – from the late textile designer Lucienne Day to present day icons Charlotte Tilbury and Yvonne Telford – on Liverpool’s Bold Street, as part of a new campaign.

Created by a talented anonymous female artist, who is part of Mural Republic, the mural is being painted to have a bold and empowering look with vibrant colours and striking portraits of these iconic women.

Painted over the course of a week and due to be unveiled in line with International Women’s Day this year, the mural celebrates three women who are part of the fabric of John Lewis’ history.

The John Lewis store in Liverpool is celebrating International Women’s Day with a live event, offers and treats for customers shopping on the day (Friday 8th March); including performances from famous female talent, such as Gemma Cairney who will be DJing in the store.

John Lewis’s new campaign, which launches ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th, is inviting makers – designers, producers and emerging women-led brands – to join ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ and have their products stocked for Christmas.

Changing its name to reflect the new campaign on social media (from 4-10th March), ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ will be a platform for women to share their talents, stories, and ideas with buyers, as the brand searches for more makers.

Any brand can put themselves forward with details on how to apply on the International Women’s Day hub. Shortlisted businesses will move through to a second pitch-style round before the final line up is chosen. Finalists will have the opportunity to become a stockist in John Lewis stores for Christmas.

Leap Dance Festival will present two weeks of dance events showcasing Liverpool City Region talent across seven key venues this spring.

From 26th April – 10th May 2024, Liverpool will come alive with dance, with performances taking place in theatres, cultural venues and public spaces on the streets of the city centre.

After a successful crowdfunding campaign, organisers are delighted to announce a packed programme of events. Established local dance artists and companies perform alongside young people and community groups, in a range of styles from burlesque and breakdance to contemporary dance and a ceilidh, with tickets ranging from £0-£25.

The festival launches on Friday 26th April at The Black-E with a night of cabaret, burlesque and circus performances, later taking over venues from The Capstone Theatre to National Museums Liverpool, with a schools showcase on International Dance Day. The festival closes on Friday 10th May with a House of Suarezspectacular, featuring vogue artists alongside performers from all dance disciplines from across the festival.

Paul Doyle, the festival’s Artistic Director says: “We are so excited to bring dance to audiences across Liverpool. From Breakdance to Vogue, contemporary to tap, there’s something for everyone”.

Discover the programme of events and get your tickets now.

Liverpool is set to host the UK premiere of a stunning immersive show which brings the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh thrillingly to life in one unforgettable cinematic multimedia experience.

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience – produced by Annerin Productions and Paquin Entertainment Group – blends more than 300 of the post-Impressionist icon’s paintings with cutting-edge technology and a specially curated musical soundtrack to tell the story of one of history’s most influential artists.

It has already been seen by more than five million people across the United States and Canada. And now it is coming to the UK, with the unmissable show being staged in Liverpool on its famous waterfront at Exhibition Centre Liverpool (for a limited run) from 27 June to 14 July.

In Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, the artist’s spectacular paintings are liberated from their two-dimensional realms and rendered into three-dimensional, fully immersive scenes that swirl and flow with colour and movement – exhilarating in every sense.

Wander through iconic works as they come alive around you, including The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Terrace of a Café at Night, and be enveloped by a selection of his revealing self-portraits which might just blink back at you.

Visitors are taken on a journey through the artist’s world from darkness to light, enhanced by his own dreams, thoughts and words set to a stirring symphonic score in this sensational narrative experience which appeals to a whole new generation of art enthusiasts and Van Gogh fans alike.

Beginning in the Introduction Hall, visitors connect with Vincent van Gogh through personal letters he wrote to his brother, and greatest supporter, Theo. Visitors then move into the heart of the exhibition – the Immersive Room – where Van Gogh’s paintings are freed from their frames to dominate the space and fully immerse the audience in the incredible detail of his work, awakening their imagination in a playful and dreamlike way as they are enveloped in colourful flowers, cafés and stunning landscapes, shifting and swirling across the projection-swathed walls and floor.

Even if you are not very familiar with Van Gogh’s incredible paintings, this is an excellent access point to his world, and a way to connect to the artist behind the art.

There is also a chance to take part in special Saturday morning yoga sessions inside the exhibition itself. Meanwhile VIP Experience tickets include selected Beyond Van Gogh merchandise along with flexible arrival times and fast track entry.

Annerin Productions chose Liverpool for the premiere after having had previous experience of the city through its hit Broadway and West End Beatles’ musical revue show Let It Be.

Anna Parry, UK Business Development at Annerin Productions, explains: “Having Liverpool be the UK grand opening of Beyond Van Gogh is a dream come true. The city is the gold standard in how to support arts and culture.

“We knew we were in the right hands with Exhibition Centre Liverpool, TicketQuarter and Bill Elms Associates, and we can’t wait to welcome Liverpool into the incredible world of Beyond Van Gogh.”

Colm Graham, Head of Partnerships, Hospitality and Exhibition Sales at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Beyond Van Gogh exhibition for its grand opening in Liverpool.

“The immersive and exciting way in which Van Gogh’s iconic artworks are brought to life is an excellent way of breaking down barriers and making arts more accessible for our community. We’re really looking forward to welcoming thousands of art enthusiasts and novices alike with the exhibition opens in June.“ 

Tickets for this acclaimed event go on pre-sale on Monday, 4 March at 9am and on general sale on Wednesday, 6 March at 9am. Visit beyondvangogh.com for more information and book your tickets at ticketquarter.co.uk.

The Wirral’s newest record shop, Dig Vinyl in West Kirby, is excited to announce their participation in Record Store Day UK on Saturday 20th April, 2024.

Record Store Day, which began back in 2007, celebrates and promotes the distinctive culture of record shops with special vinyl releases made exclusively for the event and stocked only by participating retailers on the day.

Over the years Record Store Day has evolved into a prominent music celebration globally, involving thousands of record shops from all over the world, including more than 260 in the UK. As the Wirral’s destination for new releases, reissues and all things vinyl-related, Dig Vinyl is happy to announce that their West Kirby branch will be participating in this year’s event.

Dig Vinyl’s second permanent retail shop saw the Merseyside brand branch out over the water to the Wirral, joining the vibrant independent retail scene of West Kirby. The new shop marked a significant milestone in Dig Vinyl’s decade-long journey, following three expansions and a strategic move within Bold Street, and emerging as a committed independent business in the landscape of the North’s music and vinyl culture.

Dig Vinyl West Kirby opened in November 2023 on the bustling Banks Road, just a short walk from the station and a stone’s throw from the beach. The shop stocks the usual diversity of genres, eras & sounds that its loyal customers have come to expect, including rare finds from America, Japan, and beyond.

Dig Vinyl West Kirby will be open for Record Store Day on Saturday 20th April. Customers should drop in to the West Kirby shop with their RSD requests and fill out the RSD Wishlist located at the counter by 10th March. All Record Store Day releases are exclusive to the event and sold in-store on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to plan accordingly, as items cannot be reserved or saved. Although Dig Vinyl’s Bold Street shop will not be participating in the event, they will be marking the occasion with 10% off all secondhand stock at the city centre location.

Dig Vinyl West Kirby: 156B Banks Road, Entrance Via Alexandra Road, West Kirby, CH48 0QB

View the official RSD release list here: https://recordstoreday.co.uk/rsd-list

Find out more about RSD at Dig Vinyl: https://digvinyl.co.uk/blogs/news/record-store-day-2024-west-kirby-dig-vinyl