Ice Rink on the Fylde Coast - Sub Zero on Cleveleys Promenade

With daily public sessions from 10am - 12noon and 2 pm - 3.30pm -
Entry Fee £5.90 (Concessions £4.90), Skate Hire £2 and
Spectators £1.50 (including a Free Coffee/Tea/Soft Drink)
it is definitely Time to get your Skates On!

There are also Beat Nights, Evening Sessions, Skate UK Classes
and Parent and Toddler Classes

PLUS regular Ice Hockey matches - Fylde Flyers, Blackpool Seagulls and more

For further details, please call 01253 822254 or check out their website
www.subzeroleisure.com

Sub Zero Ice Rink
Jubilee Leisure Park
Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 1DB

For furrther details regarding Blackpool Seagulls Ice Hockey Team, please see www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk

For further details regarding Fylde Flyers Ice Hockey Team, please see
www.fyldeflyers.co.uk

Peter Ritmo singing at the Pavilion Restaurant in Ashton Gardens, St. Annes-on-the-Sea, Lancashire

Dates for evening dining with entertainment by Swing Singer Peter Ritmo are as follows:-

Friday, 2nd March 2012
Friday, 16th March 2012

Saturday, 10th March 2012
Saturday, 17th March 2012
Saturday, 24th March 2012
Saturday, 31st March 2012

There will be a Special Mothers' Day Evening on Sunday, 18th March at 18h.00

For further details, menu and booking, please call 01253 724440

New live music Sunday lunchtime dates at the Parks Art Deco Cafe in Blackpool's Stanley Park

Live music Sunday lunchtimes at the Parks Art Deco Cafe in Stanley Park, Blackpool are brilliant.

March 2012

Sunday, 4th - That Swing Thing with Sara Cheston
Sunday, 11th - Flip
Sunday, 18th - Frank Flynn Trio
Sunday, 25th - Sarah Ellen Huges, Jazz singer from London

PLUS SPECIAL Saturday, 10th March at 19h. Welcome Back to Rae Morris - ticket only


April 2012

Sunday, 1st - That Swing Thing with Sara Cheston
Sunday, 8th - Flip
Sunday, 15th - Frank Flynn Trio
Sunday, 22nd - Vineyard
Sunday, 29th - Dan Forshaw Saxophonist with Mike Taylor on keyboard

May 2012

Sunday, 6th - That Swing Thing with Sara Cheston
Sunday, 13th - Flip
Sunday, 20th - Frank Flynn Trio
Sunday, 27th - Vineyard

June 2012

Sunday, 3rd - That Swing Thing with Sara Cheston
Sunday, 10th - Flip
Sunday. 17th - Frank Flynn
Sunday, 24th - Vineyard


For reservations for Sunday luncheon with table service, please call 0253 395191
Normal counter service for drinks, snacks, and other hot and cold dishes also available, plus ice creams, etc.

Parks Art Deco Cafe
West Park Drive
Stanley Park
Blackpool FY3 9EQ

Miss Blackpool 2012 Competition Launched

The 2012 Miss Blackpool competion was launched today at the Lancashire Hospitality and Catering Exhibition at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool.

Organiser Karen Cookson - herself a former Miss Blackpool - attended the event to promote the competition and also her Angels Elite model agency. She said: "A lot of people don't realise that you can buy tickets for the Miss Blackpool Final so we thought we'd take a stand. It's always a really enjoyable glamourous occasion and this year it will be at the Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday 17th August. It is one of the oldest, most prestigious and fun competitions going - what better to help promote Blackpool...?"

The heats for the 2012 competition will take place at Uncle Tom's Cabin on Balckpool's Queen's Promenade on Thursday evenings from 21st  June to 2nd August.

Girls aged 18 to 30 are welcome to enter whether they have been married or not and whether or not they have children. There is no cost to enter and you can just come along and join in on the night. The heats are contested wearing evening/club wear (no swimsuit necessary...!).

Most importantly: you DO NOT have to live in or come from Blackpool to be eligible to enter so the competition is especially attractive to visitors and holiday makers as a fun way to spend an evening out. Friends and family are encouraged to come along and support the heats and the final.

The 1st and 2nd placed in each heat win cash prizes on the night and also qualify for the Grand Final on 17th August.

For more information about the Miss Blackpool Competition, to enquire about entering, or to book tickets for the final, call Karen on 01253 820226

Soroptimist International of the Fylde - Speak Up for Women Conference, 13th March 2012 Glendower Hotel, St. Annes

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE FYLDE

invites you to join them for

A LADIES’ LUNCH

on Tuesday, 13 March,2012

at 12.00 (for 12.30 pm)

The Glendower Hotel

North Promenade, St Annes on Sea FY8 2NQ

for wonderful food and the chance to meet other

like-minded women

SPEAKER:   Joanne Mawdsley

of  THE LEGACY – RAINBOW HOUSE

TICKET PRICE :   £16.50 per person

A Raffle will be held and proceeds will be donated to

The Speaker’s Charity

For tickets please contact Linda Beddows on 01253 726576

or Jane Pinnock on 01253 713752

Easter Jazz Festival 2012 at the North Euston Hotel, Fleetwood, Lancashire

Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show, Ribby Hall Village 16th March 2012

J.R. Taylor of St. Annes present "A Taste of Spring" with a ladies luncheon and fashion show, featuring spring fashion items from their store.

The event starts at 12.30pm with a glass of fizz and canapes, and a chance to browse stands showing what Ribby Hall Village's Spa Hotel has to offer.  There will also be beauty demonstrations. This will be followed by a two course lunch.  The afternoon finishes with a fashion show and goody bags to take home.

Tickets are £25.00 per person and there will be a prize draw - proceeds being donated to Ribby's nominated charity for 2012.

To book call 01772 685 858
or check out their website - www.ribbyhall.co.uk/banqueting

People around the world please note The Love Train will be pulling in to the Victoria Bar at the North Euston Hotel on Saturday, 17th March 2012

Join DJ Scotty and his guests - singers Sara and Christian - at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood, Lancashire on Saturday, 17th March 2012 for an evening of sensational Soul and Motown hits.

For tickets and information, please see www.northeustonhotel.com

The North Euston Hotel
The Esplanade
Fleetwood
Lancashire
FY7 6BN
Tel.:  01253 876525

Nigel Ogden & Grace O'Malley at Padiham Unitarian Church - 3rd March

BBC Organist and NIGEL OGDEN and sensational young soprano talkent GRACE O'MALLEY will be performing at Padiham Unitarian Chapel (BB12 8JH) on Saturday 3rd March from 7.30pm. 
Tickets are £7 each and more information is available by calling 01282 773336

Following that, on Friday 9th March, Nigel Ogden will be performing at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, the inaugural recital of a wonderful 2 manual Phoenix Digital organ.

Info and tickets from 01282 773336

Local Music Showcase At Nelson Ace Centre - 3rd March

Music Cuisine invite local music fans to their label showcase, close to the "throbbing epicentre of our East Lancashire operation".   

Featuring...
Saturday Night Gym Club (25% Colne /50% Belfast/ 25%Birmingham)      - Music to melt hearts, blow minds and fill dancefloors. New release 'How to Build a Life Raft' is a stunning union of vital,      ambitious electronic music and triumphant pop which has been turning heads at Radio 1 and the NME. The four-piece will mould celestial sounds and seismic bass, incorporating live strings to      create the perfect landscape for their stories to unfold. We'll also be unveiling a tasty new video for the euphoric 'A Green Light'. Welcome to the Gym Club.

Effluence (100% Barnoldswick) – The dark, dangerous young rock band this part of the world has threatened, yet never sent forth.      Their debut release on Music Cuisine, 'Catch Rag', is now being  given an extended run on Tom Robinson's 6 Music show. Expect writhing excitement, energy, rage, wit, conviction and the most caustic psycho grunge this side of In Utero / Houdini/ Origin of Symmetry.

"They are going to be massive." - John Robb

Plus very special guests TBA

ACE Center, Cross Street, Nelson, BB9 7NN,

More details: http://www.musiccuisine.com/

https://www.facebook.com/musiccuisine

Charity Swishing Event In Burnley - 2nd March

There’s a new trend on the streets of Lancashire and it’s coming to Burnley on Friday 2nd March!
Swishing is shopping without the hangover! It's ethical, social and fun.  Bring your fabulous unwanted vintage, designer and high street clothes currently lurking unloved in your wardrobe and swap for other people's treasures. You might bring a sweater and take home a pair of killer heels, or donate a frock and take a stunning handbag from the rail!

Browse the rails brimming with other people's unwanted goodies and find gorgeous items to replenish your wardrobe.  There will be clothes-a-plenty including vintage, designer and high street treats so don’t miss it.  And there will be a fantastic raffle on the night to support Women’s Aid with some stunning prizes up for grabs.

So grab the clothes you’ve outgrown, whether literally or stylistically, and head on down to Koko’s on Elizabeth Street in Burnley on Friday 2nd March.  The doors open at 6pm and tickets are available via the Girl’s Guide website www.girlsguidehq.com for just £5 in advance or £6 on the door.

THE RULES OF THE RAIL
   * Everyone must bring at least two items of quality clothing to participate, on hangers where possible.
  * All items must be clean, presentable and in wearable condition, with no tears or stains.
  * You will have 30 minutes to browse before the Swish opens.
  * No item may be claimed before the Swish opens.
  * As soon as the Swish is declared open, everyone may take what they like.
  * If more than one person likes an item, this will be settled by pulling a raffle ticket.
  * Due to the nature of swishing, we can’t guarantee size, style or availability of items on the night.  If you can’t find something you like, you’re welcome to take something for a friend.
  * All leftover items will be donated to local charity shops.

Ice Hockey: Blackpool Seagulls 6 - UK Firefighters 9

The near capacity crowd erupted in the 15th minute of this intensely thrilling end to end ice hockey match when  Duncan Wrigley (pictured) scored the first Blackpool Seagulls goal in almost 20 years in this charity fixture against the UK Firefighters Team at the Sub Zero ice arena in Cleveleys.

The Seagulls last played English League ice hockey on the Fylde Coast in 1993 at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach arena so this first game back was nostalgic in many ways.

Quite a few of the "new Seagulls" played with the "old Seagulls" - Wrigley included - in the Heineken British League of the 1980s while team captain Gary Shearman, Anthony McGeever and Most Valuable Player on the night Bobby Hall all played in the 1981/82 English League North winning team that played in the British Championship playoffs against all conquering Dundee Rockets at Streatham in April 1982.

By the time Wrigley's shot hit the back of the net, the Firefighters team had edged into a slender 2 goal lead but a second goal within a minute by Joe Charton had the home side back on level terms.   The Firefighters scored again just before the break to end the period 2-3 but, all in all, it was good display from the Seagulls.

Whatever was said in the dressing room during the break must have worked as the Seagulls came out of the dressing room all fired up for the second period and hit 3 goals in quick succession (Phil Kirwan, Wrigley again and Boby Hall) to take a 5-3 lead. The Firefighters quickly pulled one back but
Mark Singer fired in a superb unassisted goal to keep the Seagulls noses - or, if you like, beaks - ahead.

However, the Blackpool team were unable to build any further on their 6-4 lead and by the end of the period, the Firefighters had scored 3 more times to even the period out at 4-4 and regain their 1 goal cushion.  That pattern continued in the final period  - when the Seagulls began picking up penalties meaning they had to concentrate more on defence than attack.

The Seagulls defences were breached twice more in the last 20 miutes for a final score of 6-9 but the guys can hold their heads high after this first match back. Overall, the shots on goal were very close at 60 to 69 and they remained in touching distance of the game throughout.

Furthermore, it has to be said that the opposition were all regular firefighters, ie in peak physical condition - and several of them play regular competitive hockey for English or Scottish National League teams.

After the match, a special Seagulls shirt was presented to former player and manager Bob Kenyon (left in photo) who managed the orignal Seagulls during their highly successful Southern League, English League North and Heineken British League period from 1970 to 1988.

Photos by Adam Tranter

For full match stats, click here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2012/02/blackpool-seagulls-back-on-ice-after.html

For news about the charities supported for the match, look here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2012/02/charities-are-winners-in-thrilling-ice.html

Charities Are The Winners In Thrilling Ice Hockey Match

Over £2000 was raised for two worthy causes on Saturday night at the ice hockey match between Blackpool Seagulls (in blue) and the UK Firefighters team (in white).

It was the first home match in almost 20 years for the Blackpool Seagulls who have recently reformed as a recreational side to play challenge matches for fun against other like-minded clubs and the event attracted a - so far - record 260 crowd at the recently opened Sub Zero Ice Arena at Cleveleys.

The Blackpool Seagulls chose CHILDREN with CANCER as their charity for the evening while the UK Firefighters Team selected HELP FOR HEROES.

All the entrance money collected on the night went straight into the donation pot, along with revenue from merchandise sales, programmes, fun games for spectators and collection buckets around the rink.
Match referee Mr McKenzie also kindly donated part of his match fee to the cause.

Barclays Bank very generously offered to match pound for pound all funds raised on the night. The final count came to £1073.71, meaning that, after adding Barclays' contribution, a grand total of  £2.147, 42p  was raised overall to be split between the two charities.

Game Co-Ordinator Peter Bleackley said: "A massive thanks to the hundreds of fans who came to support us. Big thanks to the Seagulls and UK Firefighters who played an excellent game of hockey and thanks to all who helped in putting this event on for charity."

To find out more about CHILDREN with CANCER, check out their website here: www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk

To find out more about HELP FOR HEROES, look here: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Blackpool Seagulls great new official website can be viewed here: www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk

Photos by Adam Tranter
Top: Both teams after the match with their charity presentation cheques
Bottom: Katie and Chloe won a Seagulls shirt after their "Chuck a Puck" attempt went closest to the centre spot.

Blackpool Seagulls Back On The Ice After Almost 20 Years.

Saturday 25th February 2012

Blackpool Seagulls 6 - UK Firefighters 9

Charity Match in aid of Children With Cancer and Help For Heroes

Period Scores: 2-3, 4-4, 0-2
Shots On Goal: 60-69
Penalty Minutes: 12-8

Seagulls Statistics
Scorers: Duncan Wrigley 2+0, Joe Charlton 1+2, Mark Singer 1+1, Bobby Hall 1+1, Phil Kirwan 1+0, Danny Jones 0+4
Penalties: Jones 4, Higson 2, Singer 2, Johnson 2, Hall 2
MVP: Bobby Hall

Firefighters Statistics
Scorers: Paul Gurevitch 3+1, Perry Whitlock 2+2, Joey Wigglesworth 2+1, Ben Johnson 1+1, Gareth Price 1+0, Tony Snow 0+2,  Lee Newman 0+1, Adam Wilkie 0+1, Gavin McColl 0+1
Penalties: Gurevitch 4, Price 2, Newman 2
MVP: Joey Wigglesworth

Goals - 1st Period
0-1: 2m03    Gurevitch / Mc Coll
0-2: 13m19  Wigglesworth / Johnson
1-2: 14m29  Wrigley / Jones / Charlton
2-2: 14m52  Charlton / Jones
2-3: 17m37   Whitlock / Snow
2nd Period
3-3: 23m01   Kirwan / Singer
4-3: 23m47   Wrigley / Jones / Hall
5-3: 24m52   Hall / Jones / Charlton
5-4: 25m44  Gurevitch / Wigglesworth / Newman
6-4: 32m23  Singer
6-5: 34m59  Johnson / Whitlock
6-6: 38m16  Whitlock
6-7: 39m01  Price /Whitlock
3rd Period
6-8: 44m27  Gurevitch / Wilkie / Snow
6-9: 52m31  Wigglesworth / Gurevitch

FULL TEAM LINE UPS:
Blackpool Seagulls
29 Darryl Kenyon  nm / 31 Peter Bleackley  nm / 33Danny Jones / 17 Duncan Wrigley (A) / 68 Joe Charlton / 10 Bobby Hall  (A) / 18    Craig Shaughnessy / 71Brian Slater / 74 Mark Higson / 15 Mark Singer / 77 Gary Shearman (C) / 4 Mick Buchanan / 26 Ivan Danks / 7  Phil Kirwan / 89 Dan Coxon / 6 Anthony McGeever / 11 Brian Johnson / 81 Daniel Watson / 21 Scott A-Jones / 2 Stefano Simi

UK Firefighters

77: Lee Newman - Romford Tornadoes / 50: Ben Johnson - Chelmsford Nighthawks / 19: Paul Morgan - Altrincham Aces / 10: Paul Gurevitch - Bradford Cannibals / 68: Tony Snow - Kingston Cobras / 20: Michael Broadley - Eastern Crusade / 87: Perry Whitlock - Chelmsford Warriors / 3: Joey Wigglesworth - Slough Jets ENL / 22: Adam Wilkie - Kilmarnock Storm SNL / 33: Colin Hamilton nm - Kirkcaldy Kings / 18: Gavin McColl - Paisley Panthers / 15: Gareth Price - Paisley Panthers

Referee: Mr McKenzie
Attendance: 260

Photo by Peter Heyworth - see more here.  http://pheyworth.photobiz.com/cart/gallery.cfm?galleryID=1216208&displaystart=1

Bullets and Daffodils - The Wilfred Owen Musical

Directed by and starring John Gorman (The Scaffold), this production has the full support of the Owen family and also exclusive permission by rock legend David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), to use a personal recording.

As the 100th Anniversary of the start of World War One approaches, Wilfred Owen's poetry remains a gigantic legacy. Myths of pacifism and hidden longings, which have left his personal life shrouded in mystery, and his undoubted courage, compassion and an instinct for razor sharp verse, combine to illustrate this musical tale of the handsome boy from the Shropshire hills and the backstreets of Birkenhead.

In this performance, Dean Johnson weaves narrative songs from Owen's greatest verses.  This is a must see event.

Tour dates:

10 March - Chester Forum

16 March - Citadel, St. Helen's

17 March - Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth

21 March - Oswldtwistle, Civic Arts Centre
30 March - North Euston Hotel (Vantini Room), Fleetwood

14 April - Priory Hall - Much Wenlock Poetry Festival

16 April - Wigan and Leigh Words Together Literary Festival

2 May - Liverpool Writing on the Wall Festival (Casa, Hope Street)

Sunday, 29th May - Wet Wet Wet's Graeme Clark will be one of the stars of a special production of Bullets and Daffodils in London's West End.  This will take place at the Jermyn Street Theatre - details from www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk.

For further information and if you can help this production with much-needed sponsorship, please

see www.wilfredowenstory.com

Book Now For The Kings Of Swing at Blackpool Grand Theatre - 10th March

Over recent years Swing music and the big band sound has become extremely popular with the public. The Kings of Swing is a live concert featuring the Kings of Swing Orchestra and presenting some of the best swing vocalists currently performing throughout Europe today. A contemporary swing show that celebrates all things swing!

Featuring:

Tony Benedict (pictured), the founder member of the 'Kings of Swing' stage show touring since 2003. Also star of the 'Bobby Darin Songbook' show and 'Viva Las Vegas'

Liam O'Brien who played Dean Martin for over two years in the West End tour of The Rat Pack: Live From Las Vegas in the UK, Europe and US.

Mark Porter who has performed with the BBC Big Band, the Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Glenn Miller orchestra UK, Mark has his own big band and performs regularly at concerts, and on cruise ships. Mark has fronted the New Squadronaires Orchestra for nearly 25 years and is also currently touring with The Kings Of Swing show.
For info and booking: http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/

More tour dates can be found at: http://www.kingsofswingshow.com/

The Peak District Food & Drink Festival 17th March - 1st April and Food & Drink Fair 31st March - 1st April 2012, Buxton

The Peak District Food & Drink Festival, running from 17^th March until 1^st April is an initiative that is intended to facilitate the showcasing of high quality local produce available at a variety of food and drink establishments – hotels, restaurants, pubs/cafes, tea rooms, farm shops, breweries – from the Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Staffordshire Moorlands and East Staffordshire.

The festival fortnight will offer a superb opportunity for visitors and locals alike to sample the diverse treats on offer and benefit from the special offers available during the festival period. The highlight of the festival fortnight will be the Junior Master Chef competition, sponsored by Tideswell School of Food.

Heats will run throughout the fortnight and culminate in the final cook off to be held at the Peak District Food & Drink Fair 31st March and 1st April at the Devonshire Dome, Buxton.   The Food & Drink Fair at the Dome will be open from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, 31^st March. There will be live music with a superb band at the Dome from 6pm until late on the Saturday.  Sunday’s opening times are 11 am till 4 pm.

During the festival fortnight participating establishments will be hosting their own small events and promotions including: special menus, demonstrations, tasting sessions, special offers, brewery tours and prize draws/competitions. These will be included in a special festival brochure.

For further details, please see the website extendingtheseason.co.uk

Or follow Peak District Food and Drink Festival on Facebook

Tune In to "In Conversation" Show on 103.2 Preston FM - Friday 7pm

In our highly popular "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show on 103.2 Preston FM this Friday evening from 7pm we will be featuring:

• Dance Diva Stacey Jackson talking about her new release
• Swing singer Matthew Ford (pictured) talking about his music and picking his favourite show song.
• Top saxophonist Snake Davis previewing his Suspicions soul night
• Blackpool Seagulls ice hockey team who are returning to the ice after 20 years 
• Artists of the week: Lancashire songwriter Baxter Rhodes and composer Paul Birhcall
• the nostalgic "Oh Boy" spot
• Jazz singer Sarah Ellen Hughes talking about her new CD
• an exclusive interview with Greg Kane from Hue And cry talking about their new album and tour
• a new release from Spanish punk band Segismundo Toxicomano

 

 So make it a date! You can tune in to Preston FM on 103.2 FM in the local area or listen in worlwide via the internet at http://www.preston.fm/  

 

 

Hue & Cry - CD Release and Tour Dates - April / May 2012

Hue and Cry have a new album out in March called "Hot Wire" and are playing a number of dates across the country - kicking off at the Sands Venue on Blackpool Promenade on 26th April and moving on to Darwen Library Theatre the following day (see list of full tour dates below).

You can hear the first part of our exclusive interview with Greg Kane from Hue and Cry talking about the new album in our  "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show on 103.2 Preston FM this Friday evening from 7pm. 

You can hear Preston FM on 103.2FM in the local area or worldwide via the internet at http://www.preston.fm/

Hue & Cry "Hot Wire - Stripped" Tour Dates
Thu 26 Apr Blackpool The Sands 01253 625262 - http://www.the-sands-blackpool.co.uk/
Fri 27 Apr Darwen Library Theatre 01254 706006
Sat 28 Apr Southampton The Brook 02380 555366
Thu 3 May Liverpool Eric’s 0151 2369994
Sat 5 May Durham Gala Theatre 0191 3324041
Fri 11 May Dublin Vicar Street (+353) 01 775 5800
Sat 12 May Hayes Beck Theatre 0208 561 8371
Sun 13 May Gravesend Woodville Halls 01474 337774
Tue 15 May Wolverhampton Robin 2 01902 401211
Wed 16 May Milton Keynes The Stables 01908 280800
Thu 17 May Bournemouth O2 Academy 0844 4772000
Sat 19 May Porth The Factory 01443 687080

Hue and Cry will also be presenting a special ‘Hot Wire in London’ show where they will be performing a special full band gig at O2 Academy in Islington, London on Saturday 26th May. The band whose new album Hot Wire - the first new album from brothers Pat and Greg Kane since 2008’s Open Soul - is released on 19th March, will be performing much of their celebrated back catalogue as well as an introductory selection of songs from the new record. Hot Wire itself combines a love of Steely Dan and the solo work of Becker and Fagan with a sprawling template that includes songs reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone and early New Orleans’ inspired funk.


Specifically for the ‘Hot Wire in London’ show, Hue and Cry have announced a unique platinum pass package that provides additional access to a VIP Reception (which will include complimentary bubbly on arrival at the venue) the band's sound-check as well as a Meet & Greet with Pat and Greg Kane, an exclusive intimate piano & vocal acoustic set from the brothers together with complimentary pre-show hospitality and souvenir brochure.

Sat 26 May Islington, London O2 Academy 0844 477 2000

As Scottish as crude oil and football management excellence, Hue and Cry first leapt to prominence in 1987 when their single Labour Of Love (lifted from that year’s Seduced and Abandoned album) hit the No.6 slot. The immensely successful album Remote and further hit singles Violently and Looking For Linda followed before the Top Ten album Stars Crash Down and the release of Open Soul in 2008 further showcased the band’s classic pop-soul sound. The release of Hot Wire firmly cements their position as loveably intellectual hip funkateers.

Hue and Cry area also set to perform at the Hot Wire Weekend on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st March at Glasgow’s O2 ABC, the first of these dates featuring the brothers in an intimate piano and vocal performance, whilst the second date sees the pair lining up as part of their full seven piece band. The weekend will include the Platinum Pass Package providing the ultimate in access and amazing extras.
 
For more information: http://www.hueandcry.co.uk/

Nazareth: New CD Release & March 2012 Tour Dates

NAZARETH: ‘Big Dogz’ UK Tour - March 2012

Special Guest at BILSTON: DEBORAH BONHAM
Support at Clitheroe, Liverpool, York, Newcastle, Southampton, Derby & Grimsby: BOWDEN WILLIAMSON BAND ONLY

Out Now: New Nazareth studio album – ‘Big Dogz’ (Edel)
Also available - ‘Naz Box’ (Salvo/USM)

Nazareth are one of the UK’s finest ever classic rock bands. The band are perhaps best known for their breakthrough albums, ‘Razamanazz’ and ‘Loud n Proud’- (both 1973) and their chart-storming singles, ‘Bad Bad Boy’, ‘Broken Down Angel’ , ‘Love Hurts’, ‘My White Bicycle’ and their remarkable adaptation of Joni Mitchell’s ‘This Flight Tonight’. Since then the band have released a steady stream of top-notch albums and retained a steadfast, almost rabid fan base across the world.

Nazareth has sold an impressive over 60 million records in their 40 year music career worldwide for which they count as one of the best known and most successful Scottish bands ever. On their new album ‘Big Dogz’, they have returned to their roots, pure rock music with its rough edges, like it’s straight from the ‘70s. Exactly how rock should sound – and that’s how Nazareth lays it down.

An excellent overview of the bands career is the current sumptuous 4-cd Salvo/Union Square Music release, ‘NAZ BOX’

Said NAZARETH founder member Pete Agnew:Our friends at earMUSIC offered us the opportunity to mark some new territory with this new album and the 'Nazhounds' are delighted to be back among their pack. We're straining at the leash to tour this puppy. We reckon it's bitchin'! So get ready, because from 10th March, the Big Dogz gonna howl!!"

Support for the England portion of the tour (except Bilston) is the Bowden Williamson Band, featuring Animals & Friends guitarist, John Williamson – recently seen across the UK alongside Stax and Blues Brothers legend, Steve Cropper. Special Guest at Bilston is Deborah Bonham

Formed in 1968, Nazareth sprung from the ashes of a semi-professional local band, ‘The Shadettes’, eventually taking their name from the opening line from ‘The Weight’ - the classic song by The Band. Releasing their first album in 1971, the band still features the gravel-voiced DAN McCAFFERTY and bassist PETE AGNEW, alongside lead guitarist JIMMY MURRISON and LEE AGNEW who has more recently taken over the drum stool for so long occupied by the sadly departed DARRELL SWEET.

For their 40th anniversary, Naz decided to record a come-back album. earMUSIC released ‘The Newz’ in 2008, proving once again that Nazareth is fully committed to rock and always satisfy with great songwriting and a fresh sound. The contemporary production brilliantly held true to their roots and really emphasize the extraordinary voice of Dan McCafferty.

‘Big Dogz’ was recorded in Prague and mixed in Basel, produced by guitar player Jimmy Murrison and young Swiss sound-wizard Yann Rouiller, the album has a challenging approach to production. In contrast with rock music’s current tendency to be clean and overproduced in order to be perfect and easily consumed, Nazareth´s album focuses on capturing the dangerous and challenging edge that rock music should have, too often lost in the chase for perfection. For this reason, Nazareth have always truly concentrated on bringing out that dirty, challenging, edginess of real rock; that sound that rock music must have.

Nazareth really manages to be different. On the new album, you’ll find what the band has always portrayed: four guys who live rock, who record together in the same room to show who they really are and what they want.

‘Big Dogz’ is a pure rock diamond, one that is sure to become one of the highest points of their grandiose career and follow the success of past albums like ‘No Mean City’ and ‘Hair Of The Dog’.

Founding member Pete Agnew says: "They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but having recorded the new album 'Big Dogz' I don't agree. We've got some tasty bones here!”

MARCH TOUR DATES
SAT 10TH: GLASGOW, Classic Grand, 18 Jamaica Street, G1 4QD 0141 847 0820 7pm Tickets – Tickets Scotland or Chic Box Office 08700 110034 £17.50 +bf http://www.classicgrand.com/
SUN 11TH: INVERNESS, Ironworks, 122b Academy Street IV1 1LX 0871 789 4173 7.30pm Tickets tbc http://www.ironworksvenue.com/
TUES 13TH: DUNDEE, Dexters, 22 Castle Street, Angus DD1 3AF 8pm Tickets tbc 01382 228894
THURS 15TH: CLITHEROE, The Grand, 18 York Street, Lancashire BB7 2DL 01200 421596 Tickets tbc Time tbc http://www.thegrandvenue.co.uk/
FRI 16TH: LIVERPOOL, O2 Academy, O2 Academy 2, 11-13 Hotham Street, L3 5UF 7pm £17.50 http://www.o2academyliverpool.co.uk/
SAT 17TH: YORK, The Duchess, Stonebow House, York YO1 7NP £20 +bf (advance) / £22.00 (door) 7.30pm 01904 641 413 http://www.theduchessyork.co.uk/
TUES 20TH: NEWCASTLE ON TYNE, O2 Academy, Westgate Road, NE1 1SW 7pm £17.50 http://www.o2academynewcastle.co.uk/  Box office 0844 477 200
WED 21ST: SOUTHAMPTON, The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD http://www.the-brook.com/  023 8055 5366 320 (advance)/ £22.oo (door) Doors 8pm
FRI 23RD: DERBY, Assembly Rooms (Darwin Suite), 8pm £20.oo Standing Only 01332 255800 http://www.derbylive.co.uk/
SAT 24TH: *BILSTON, Robin 2, 2-28 Mount Pleasant, Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 7LJ (with DEBORAH BONHAM only) http://www.therobin.co.uk/  01902 401211 £20 (advance)/ £22.oo (door) Time tbc
SUN 25TH: GRIMSBY, Yardbirds Rock Club, Church Street, Grimsby, N.Lincs DN32 7DD 07771 520374 http://www.myspace.com/yardbirdsrockclub  Time tbc Tickets tbc

Release Of The Week: Is this Love By Stacey Jackson

In our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show on 103.2 Preston FM this Friday evening from 7pm we will featuring "Is This Love" by Stacey Jackson as our new release of the week.

We'll also be running our fascinating exclusive interview with Stacey where she tells about how she came to work with Snoop Dogg, why she moved to London and what made this Dance Diva decide to record a new version of an old Whitesnake heavy rock classic!

So join us on Friday evening from 7pm onwards for this and a whole lot more.

You can hear Preston FM on 103.2FM in the local area or worldwide via the internet  at http://www.preston.fm/

To find out more about Stacey Jackson, visit her official website at: http://www.staceyjackson.com/

Quote of the Week! ...Or Century, Maybe... - Chris Evans On Radio

We liked what Chris Evans wrote in The Mail On Sunday's "Live" Magazine on Sunday, 11th February 2012.

He said: "Anyway, everyone knows radio is miles better than both television and film"

We heartily agree. After all, you can listen to the radio in the background while you do other things: ironing, homework, webpage updates etc but TV is rather distracting.  The obvious one: you can listen to the radio while driving but it is very dangerous  and, luckily, illegal to try and watch tv or a film while doing so.  But try telling that to the coach driver on a holiday I went on to Austria in 1986...nightmare! 
So, well done to Chris - very well said!

By handy coincidence: our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" radio show - featuring lots of interesting guests and new music - can be heard on 103.2 Preston FM this Friday evening from 7pm....

Snake Davis & The Suspicions - Sands Blackpool Soul Night - 25th February

Snake Davis and the Suspicions will be making their first ever Soul Night visit to the Sands Venue on Blackpool Promenade on Saturday 25th February 2012. 

The ‘Suspicions’ are a storming 8 piece with brass and female vocalists, including bass man "Dangerous" Dave Bowie and guitarist, Mark Cresswell, taking to the road to do their OWN show again for the first time in 13 years! Expect to be dancing, swaying or slithering in your seats as they storm through Wigan classics and beautiful Soul ballads.

For more information - or to make your table booking - visit the Sands website here: http://www.the-sands-blackpool.co.uk/artists/646/Sands-Soul-Night-with-Snake-Davis-and--the-Suspicions-/1638

To find our more about Snake Davis, check out his website here: http://www.snakedavis.com/

To hear our exclusive interview with Snake Davis talking about the Sands Venue and looking ahead to the Suspicions gig, click on the sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...): 

The University of Central Lancashire's BA (Hons) Course in Music Practice present their Music Festival "Uclan MusicMedia Festival 2012" on 11th, 12th and 13th May 2012

Each year in May, students in their second year of study on the Music Practice BA Course at The University of Central Lancashire in Preston (Uclan) organise a Music Festival as part of their course.

Entitled  "The Production Line" and based at the recenlty-opened Media Factory on the University Campus, students take responsibility for everything from fund-raising, marketing, publicity, sound and lighting to video.

This year The Production Line will be held on 11^th, 12^th and 13^th May at the Media Factory.  Don’t miss it because Uclan students set a very high standard - we love going to the art/design/ceramic exhibition.  (OK as Uclan alumnae ourselves, we may be just a touch biased).


Here is Paul Birchall to tell you a little more about The Production Line 2012 - (to listen, click on the sound icon - it may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):



The Media Factory, Kirkham Street, Preston PR1 2HE

More info: http://www.uclan.ac.uk/

Blackpool Seagulls Return To The Ice In Big Charity Match - 25th February

Historic ice hockey team the Blackpool Seagulls make a welcome return to the ice after a break of almost 20 years on Saturday 25th February when they take on the UK Firefighters Ice Hockey team in a charity match.

The team has been reformed by a group of former Seagulls players from the 1980s following the opening of the new Sub Zero ice rink on Cleveleys promenade and, bolstered by an enthusiastic group of younger players, will now be playing regular challenge matches against other recreational teams.

The Firefighters game on 25th February will raise money for two charities: "Children With Cancer" and "Help For Heroes" and Barclays Bank have kindly offered to match pound for pound all funds raised on the day.

You can hear an exclusive interview with Seagulls' match co-ordinator Peter Bleackley by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this will take longer if you are using a Mac...):

Blackpool Seagulls v UK Firefighters Ice Hockey Team.
Saturday 25th February
Admission: £4 adults / £2 children
Doors open 4.30pm / Face Off 5pm
Venue: Sub Zero Ice Arena,  Jubilee Promenade, Cleveleys, FY5 1DB

Team photo by Adam Tranter


More info: http://www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk/ 

Ice Hockey: Fylde Coast To Victory With First Home Shut Out

Saturday 11th February 2012
English League Division 2 North

Fylde Flyers 11 - Lancashire Raptors 0

Period Scores: 5-0, 2-0, 4-0
Shots On Goal: Flyers 77 - Raptors 25
Penalties In Minutes: Flyers 44 - Raptors 37

Flyers Scorers: Elvis Veldze 3+1, Ric Hulme 2+1, Caunce, Bracegirdle both 1+1, Marriott, Murphy Butcher, Grinbergs all 1+0, Melbourne, Whitby both 0+2.
Flyers MVP: Elvis Veldze

Photo: Hat trick hero Elvis Veldze bears down on the Raptors goal  (credit: Adam Tranter)

Next Flyers home game: Fylde Flyers v Lancashire Raptors (yes - again...) Saturday 18th February at Sub Zero rink, Cleveleys - 5pm face off.

Review: Snake Davis Band at Sands Blackpool Venue - 10th February

From the moment you are greeted by the doormen at The Sands Venue on the Promenade in Blackpool, you just know you are going to have a wonderful evening.  It is definitely a prestigious venue (“Ronnie Scotts Plus).

This time we were there to see Snake Davis.  The sumptuous meal cleared away by the fantastic staff, the lights went down and Paul Birchall, Snake’s keyboard player/pianist, began quietly playing the piano, then Snake came on stage to ease us in gently with some haunting notes, playing a tiny saxophone lent to him by someone called Steve.  Then came the Drums with a capital “D” – we had noticed Ali, Snake’s young and very talented drummer last year.  Next, Simon Goulding came in on bass guitar and Snake the Charmer transported us on his magic carpet of music for an evening with the “Wow!” factor in bucketloads.

Paul Birchall slipped effortlessly from the grand piano to the keyboard.  Snake was sinuous as ever. He told us he was wearing a new jacket – a gorgeous dark blue dinner jacket with a fabulous lime green silky looking lining.   Snake announced an evening of firsts – Paul playing the grand piano, Ali with an extra drum (his first snare drum) and tambourine (plus his amazing cymbal with holes in) and Simon with a new bass guitar, that he plays a la John Gomm like a drum, turning it into a sort of mini band.

Snake paid tribute to the amazing sound system at the Sands and to Mark Gill the Sands Sound Engineer, without whose input the Band would not sound quite so spectacular.  Mark also came in at just the right moment with some mood lighting to give the performance extra oomph.

I could give you a long list of the music the Snake Davis Band played, such as “The Wakefield Wobble” and “In a whisper” (originally on the “Snake Bites” CD) with Paul on piano, Snake on penny whistle and Ali using some very unusual colour block drumsticks that gave a quieter, more gentle sound, or “Purple Rain”…   But with Snake words really are superfluous - from start to finish the show is sensational with the musicians ‘talking’ to each other in music – please go and see for yourselves.

Snake finished by thanking all the wonderful staff who look after us so well - not forgetting those behind the scenes.  Snake will be back at the Sands on various dates in 2012 with his 4-piece band and also with his 8-piece Soul Band.  Ticket options are with or without 3-course meal so check out www.the-sands=backpool.co.ukand tell Stephen Fry if he wants the “Wow!” factor every time, then it has to be The Sands Venue in Blackpool.

Snake and the Suspicions will be playing at the Sands Venue on Saturday 25th February.

Bookings here: http://www.the-sands-blackpool.co.uk/artists/646/Sands-Soul-Night-with-Snake-Davis-and--the-Suspicions-/1638

More info: http://www.snakedavis.com/

New North West Dates For Vocalist Sara Creeney

Saturday 11th February:  Help The Hero’s 1940’s Night
Vocalists Sara Creeney and Eddie Smith will be performing with the  Starlight Swing Orchestra At St Josephs Parish Centre, Harpers Lane, Chorley, PR6 0HR

Doors open 7.30pm
Tickets to include supper £10

Tel  01257 275137/07890 420009

photo supplied courtesy of Mark Byrne - www.markbyrne.co.uk


Saturday 18th February 8.30pm onwards
Vocalists Sara Creeney and Chris Hewitt will be performing with The fantastic
Jacqui’s Rhythm Katz (a small band with a big sound)
At On The Fringe at the Shakespeare 1 Scarisbrick Road Southport
Free event
Tel 01704 533448

Sunday 19th February: Swing Night at the Sands Venue Blackpool
with Liam O'Brien and the Sands Swing Band.
http://www.the-sands-blackpool.co.uk/

Wine and Book Tasting, Ansdell Library, Thursday, 1st March 7 p.m. organised by the Friends of Ansdell Library

The Friends of Ansdell Library are holding a wine and book tasting evening on Thursday, 1st March 2012 from 7.00p.m. Yes that's right a book 'tasting' at the same time as a wine tasting...

Tickets are £5.00 per person - available from the Library.

This sounds like a brilliant idea!  There will be a variety of wines to taste and for each wine a book will be found and short excerpts will be read from the book to whet your appetite.

So why not try something new?

Why not get in touch to let us know how the evening went?  We will publish the best review of the evening on Best Kept Secrets - just e-mail us on paul@bestkeptsecrets.biz.

Ansdell Library
59 Commonside
ANSDELL, Lancashire,
FY8 4DJ.

Tel.:  01253 738554

Mauritian Golf Resort, Le Touessrok announce partnership with European Tour Golfer Victor Dubuisson

The luxury Mauritian golf resort, Le Touessrok is happy to announce a new relationship with European Tour golfer Victor Dubuisson. As part of the agreement the 21 year-old Frenchman will practice at Le Touessrok’s Championship golf course throughout 2012 as well as utilise the resorts world-class facilities to hone his game ready for a full Tour schedule. Victor will carry Le Touessrok’s logo on his  chest whilst competing on Tour and will be officially affiliated to Le Touessrok on the European Tour start sheets.

Le Touessrok is one of the world’s great golf resorts located in the warmth of tropical Mauritius. The Championship Golf Course is across the water from the resort mainland on its own island and was designed by 2 time Major Champion, Bernhard Langer. Victor Dubuisson turned professional in 2010 after playing his last event as an amateur as the 2010 Open Championship. He had a glittering amateur career that saw him ranked No.1 in the Amateur world Rankings in 2009 and included a victory at the 2009 European Amateur Championship.

Excited about the partnership and hoping to build on a solid rookie year, that included 3 top 10 finishes on Tour, Dubuisson said, “I’m very excited about my new partnership with Le Touessrok; I believe it’s one of the best and most stunning courses in the world. To be able to practice there all year round, making the most of their fantastic facilities and prepare for a demanding 2012 schedule is such a great opportunity for me. Hopefully this is the start of a long and special relationship.”

Dubuisson continued, “I played in the Standard Bank Mauritius Open at Le Touessrok last December and I love the course, it suits my game and tests all aspects of it. Everyone at the resort has always been very friendly and welcoming to me and I’m extremely thankful that they have given me the opportunity to come back again and again. It really is a spectacular setting and I encourage anyone to visit Le Touessrok if they get the chance.”

Russell Hannah, the General Manager of Le Touessrok Golf also expressed his satisfaction, “All of us here at Le Touessrok are extremely pleased to be partnering with Victor, he has had a fantastic amateur career and we believe that, with this new relationship, he has all the attributes and facilities in place to become a world-class player and a future star of European golf. We believe in a complete approach to game improvement and our facilities and Golf Academy programmes will allow Victor to cover all aspects of his game.”

Victor is currently displaying the Le Touessrok Resort logo on his chest at this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour.

Le Touessrok is the flagship of Sun Resorts and throughout the years, it has evolved into a leading hotel in its category, quickly becoming the quintessence of luxury and chic easy going beach living. Member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the hotel is a contemporary, chic and vibrant resort and boasts the true essence of cool, modern elegance imbued by the cultural warmth of tropical Mauritius. Le Touessrok is the ultimate holiday spot for lovers of a unique tropical chic ambiance which best suits it today. More Information is available at www.letouessrokresort.com

"How to succeed in the music industry" A Talk by Steve Coe the Songwriter, St. Annes Library, Tuesday, 14th February 2012 at 2 p.m. Entry Free

Steve Coe, internationally successful hit

 songwriter / record producer / label boss,

will be giving a talk at St. Annes library.

2 p.m. Tuesday 14^th February 2012

  

·      ‘Insider’ songwriting tips.

·      How to promote your music.

·      Behind the scenes insights into how the industry works.

·      Current trends and developments in the music biz.

·      Anecdotes about famous people Steve has met or worked with----Francis Rossi, Sheila Chandra/Monsoon, Jakatta, Colin Blunstone, Peter Gabriel, Laura Branigan, neil Tennant et al.

·      The talk will be of interest to all everyone who’s into music (i.e. not just musicians and writers.)

·      Lots of audience involvement, questions etc.

More information on Steve?  www.stevecoe.com

“All musical styles, all ages and experience, all you need is a passion!”