SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH STAR RETURNS TO EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

SABRINA the Teenage Witch star Aunt Hilda herself is headed to Edinburgh for the famous Fringe festival. 

 Canadian actress and stand-up comedian Caroline Rhea who has attended the fest in previous years has announces a brand new Fringe show at Gilded Balloon - 'I Identify As A Witch'.

 Best known for hit roles which also include  Phineas and Ferb, Caroline will perform a limited run from 15th - 18th August, at Gilded Balloon Teviot from 8.45pm with a show filled with comedy, improv and star-studded Hollywood tales. 

With 5 star reviews the last time Caroline played the Festival in 2013, the Hollywood star's four night run is sure to be unmissable, especially for fans of cult classic Sabrina the Teenage Witch where she made her name as Aunt Hilda for seven years or as Linda Flynn Fletcher on Phineas and Ferb for over 10 seasons. 

The stand-up comedian has also had numerous comedy specials on Comedy Central, HBO and Showtime, marking 30 years as a comic. 

Caroline Rhea said, "Hi, it’s me, Caroline Rhea. I’m thrilled to return to Scotland, my part-time childhood home, and not just because it’s the only place you can get tablet and no salad. 

Yes, you know me as Aunt Hilda on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and I’ve been a standup comedian for 34 years. I’m here to do my new show, “I Identify as a Witch” because at this point I seriously do, so does my 14 year old daughter. My new show covers everything from parenting a teenager to dating (it’s super fun at this age), outrageous stories of life in Hollywood like when I met Taylor Swift, and a lot of improv."

Don't miss Caroline Rhea : I Identify As A Witch at Gilded Balloon Teviot, 15th - 18th August from 8.45pm. 

Tickets via tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:5014/

PULP’S JARVIS COCKER VISITS COLLABORATOR BANKSY’S EXHIBITION IN GLASGOW

 


PULP legend Jarvis Cocker visited The Banksy exhibition the day after headlining the stage at TRNSMT festival.

Jarvis who was a true entertainer at the fest, said Glasgow was the furthest north he had been and even got the crowd singing happy birthday to Ringo Starr to wish him a happy 83rd as he performed a set of classic hits. 

The Common People hitmaker, who theshowbizlion.Com last met after an appearance in Glasgow at SWG3 to perform a dance floor meditation in 2018, where he got the audience including our chief lioness to lie on the backs on their backs on the floor, was also in a relaxed mood, following his big stage appearance.

Jarvis, who even threw some fudge at the crowd to celebrate World Chocolate Day during his set in Glasgow Green, arrived back at his hotel around midnight.

He told theshowbizlion.com that he was enjoying himself during his time here and was planning to attend the Banksy exhibition in the city centre’s  Gallery of Modern Art within the next few hours.

Jarvis said: ”I haven’t seen Banksy yet, but I will do tomorrow.” He also signed a fans CD before heading indoors.

Jarvis and Banksy are believed to be good friends with Jarvis, even contributing a special musical composition for Banksy’s Walled Off hotel in Bethlehem. 

This article has appeared in the Daily Record

From Scotland with love theshowbizlion.Com

CONNECT MUSIC FESTIVAL WILL RETURN AND HERE’S WHY

CONNECT FESTIVAL managed to stand out from the crowd for its first ever appearance and prove it was no ordinary music festival. 

By mixing up the best in live music; from grassroot headliners, to up-and-comers, with everything from comedy and spoken word at the Speakeasy, culinary sensation, immaculate vibes in the ‘X Lounge’, to therapeutic treatments from leading experts in the field of Yoga, sound therapy and breathwork it proved to be a unique experience that theshowbizlion.com looks forward to attending next year. 

The Connect Event Team were ecstatic at the response, with Event Manager, Katt Lingard saying: “After many months of planning, we’re so glad to have finally relaunched Connect Festival and what an incredible comeback weekend we’ve had. With a fantastic line-up of over 80 artists across six stages and thousands of incredible fans every day - it’s been special”. 

“We’ve created something truly unique at the Royal Highland Centre site. Connect is about music, discovery, experiences and memories - showcasing an eclectic line up of comedy, spoken word, wellness and grassroots talent in a dazzling collection of intimate settings. It was just as special for the artists as it was for the fans, with some of the most positive feedback we've ever heard from across the line up.

“We’re so grateful to fans for their passion and commitment to live music, allowing us to bring Connect Festival back in 2023. We’re already thinking of ways to make it even better and I’d like to thank the artists, the fans and everyone who has worked extremely hard behind the scenes to make this festival happen. I can’t wait for next year already.”

Here’s the top ten moments from this year:  

THE SMALL, MAGICAL ONES

“I love these ones, the small, magical ones when we’re in each other’s laps”, Jessie Buckley proclaimed at the Tiny Changes X Gardeners Cottage, an intimate crowd, Jessie beamed with the kind of joy only a Scottish audience can induce as she broke into a cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Just Like A Woman’, accompanied by Bernard Butler of Suede fame, the stars truly aligned as this duo created soul bearing folk magic. 

TAKE A DIP

For those early morning Connect campers brave enough, cold water therapy got their day started off right, albeit chilly. Immersing themselves neck deep in a 6ft long steel ice bath, revellers reconnected with themselves. 

TRANSFUSION 

With afternoon showers pouring, TAAHLIAH made her way to the Unknown Pleasures tent. A leading figure in Glasgow and Berlin’s underground LGBT+ dance scenes’, she harnessed raw, electronica and sickly sweet hyper-pop beats to dazzle the crowd; who took no notice of the drizzle as they partied into the afternoon. 

IT WON’T BE LIKE THIS ALL THE TIME 

Walking out to thunderous bass and roaring cheers, The Twilight Sad, lead singer James Graham’s signature twangy Glaswegian vocals permeated into the very heart of The Grand Parade crowd on Friday night. Accompanied by Frightened Rabbit drummer Grant Hutchinson, they dedicated their cover of ‘Keep Yourself Warm’ to anyone struggling with mental health. 

TAKE A SEAT AT THE CHEF’S TABLE 

Chef Barry Bryson invited Connect fans to a special pop-up dining experience, as he masterfully took restaurant concepts and fine dining triumph to an event level - pairing classic Scottish flavours with contemporary flare - for those who enjoy the finer things, it was not to be missed as he served up apple smoked sea trout, fish cakes and locally produced strawberries and milk chocolate. 

“OH GOOD LORD”

The modest Speakeasy tent was spilling out on Sunday afternoon as comedian Troy Hawke made his debut. Strutting on stage, he was adorned in a purple silk smoking jacket, saying “Something you’ll notice about me is that I have the ability to blend in seamlessly to my environment”, admiring his attire he grins - the crowd hanging onto every word of his uniquely bonkers routine. 

PRIORITISE PLEASURE 

“You have been f*****g lovely Connect”, screamed pop sensation Self Esteem. Recently shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize for her acclaimed album ‘Prioritise Pleasure’, she cut across the main stage with razor sharp precision, infusing edgy choreography with powerhouse vocals and tongue in cheek lyrics - there may just be a new Pop Queen on the horizon. 

FIND YOUR INNER ZEN 

When not singing along to your favourite band, or discovering an up-and-comer sure to make their way to your playlist, Connect fans were transported into a journey of calm and personal wellness as leading expert Cat Boyle, brought her expertise, offering vinyasa yoga at the Rest & Be Thankful tent. 

CRAWLER

Celebrated post-punk legends, IDLES served a searing, white hot energy on Connect’s opening night. In colossal fashion, the band brought their brutal post-hardcore sound and, shaking with energy, lead singer Joe Talbot commanded The Grand Parade as revellers descended into a glorious chaos of sound. 

A TINY CHANGE, ONE BIG MOMENT 

Mid-day struck and the cryptic announcement was out, ‘Secret Set Added - 7:45pm at the Tiny Changes x Gardener’s Cottage’. Rumours swirled as alt.rock heroes, The National took to the intimate stage for a performance of cult classic’ About Today’ and ‘This Isn’t Helping’. With roaring applause, The National’s Aaron Dressner said “It’s a pleasure to support Tiny Changes… this charity is amazing and any awareness we can raise for mental health, we want to do that because we all struggle with it.” What a way to see out Connect 2022. 

LET’S RECONNECT SUMMER 2023 

Connect Festival will return in 2023 from 25th-27th August. Pre-sale is available to past buyers and those on the Connect mailing list from 9am Wednesday 31st August and general sale will commence 9am Friday 2nd September. Tickets available to purchase via WWW.CONNECTFEST.COM

PAOLO NUTINI HAS SCOTS HOMECOMING AT TRNSMT

 TRNSMT Festival welcomed back 50,000 fans on day one and Paolo Nutini made a long awaited comeback at the festival in Glasgow Green.  

The opening day of Scotland’s biggest music festival was packed with outstanding performances from the moment the gates opened until the sun set, with the likes of Paolo, Sam Fender, Beabadoobee, Ella Henderson, Luke La Volpe and even more, all making it an exciting day for a sold-out crowd.  

With a weekend of celebrations ahead which will see over 70 acts perform across 3 stages, fans' excitement and enthusiasm at returning to the festival was palpable as the city-centre site played host to the best in live music. After the culinary triumph of last year, cinch presents TRNSMT 2022, partnered once again with Big Feed offering fans everything from dirty vegan burgers at Typhoon Ten, to Bao Buns over at Street Bao Buns, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and indulge. The vibrant atmosphere continued at the Boogie Bar where the crowd could check out DJ sets from K4cieand Beth, or for a more chilled out experience, fans headed to the Wellbeing Area, where they could take a break and recharge. 

Making his triumphant live return and TRNSMT debut no less, Paisley’s own Paolo Nutini performed to a sold-out audience, experiencing first-hand the magic only a Glasgow crowd can bring as he performed classic hits including‘Funk My Life Up’ and ‘Candy’ as well as new single ‘Through The Echoes.’ Renowned for his brooding swagger and smoky vocals, the Paisley singer gave his all to the cinch presents TRNSMT crowd, with Nutini saying“Glasgow you’re looking good, you’re looking very good in fact, you’re looking great.” Up next was ‘Jenny Don’t Be Hasty’ mashed up with a cover of the angsty classic ‘Teenage Kicks’ followed by fan favourite ‘New Shoes’ - the crowd went wild for it. With a bittersweet cover of ‘Caledonia’ he had the audience in tears but ready for more. After a hiatus from music, it’s as if he never left, closing the first day on what is set to be the biggest TRNSMT yet.

The Main Stage crowd experienced what is sure to be one of the more emotional moments of the three-day event as North Shields' ownSam Fender performed the breakout hit of last summer ‘Seventeen Going Under’, with backing vocals provided by 50,000 ecstatic festival fans. As the chant began to wind down, Fender played the opening note to ‘Angel In Lothian’ reminding everyone he’s only played it four times in the past - a real treat for those TRNSMT fans lucky enough to witness it. As the song continued he said, “I spent about half my life growing up in the borders of Scotland, so this song is about that.” As the rain came down, he thanked fans for sticking around. 

The Bootleg Beatles kicked the day off in nostalgic fashion, donning matching black suits, they performed ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ and anthem ‘Hey Jude’ to a mesmerised crowd. Disco heavyweights Nile Rodgers & CHIC made their sensational return to Glasgow, “Are you ready to party?” He ponders before a surreal exhibition of club nostalgia takes hold, performing legendary tracks ‘I Want Your Love’, ‘Le Freak’ and David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’.  Tom Grennan and The Lathums followed, with the latter achieving a UK No1 last year for their debut album ‘How Beautiful Life Can Be’. Walking on stage to crowd chants of “Here we f****** go!”, the Manchester stars teased the audience saying, “you might know this next little song?” before playing fan favourite track ‘I See Your Ghost’. Ella Henderson, had the crowd dancing from the get-go, introducing herself to the crowd as ABBA’s iconic ‘Dancing Queen’ boomed, before jumping into a glorious pop rock infused set, which included her hit song ‘Ghost’ and a snippet of Gerry Cinammon’s ‘Belter’. No stranger to Scotland Ella said, “I gotta say I’ve got Scottish in me, my dad is Scottish and I love Scotland” before belting out new track ‘Crazy What Love Can Do’.

Friday’s King Tut’s Stage line-up saw a host of award winners and nominees performing, from a Brits Rising Star Award nominee inBeabadoobee, to a Scottish Jazz Award recipient with Kitti. Kitti opened today’s River Stage, backed by her 5 piece band - it was a set dedicated to female empowerment with the songstress dedicating new track ‘How Long’ to all women in the audience, she said,  “Imma’ do this song on my own, this ones for all you ladies!”. With quiet confidence, Beabadoobee made her return to Glasgow - headlining the King Tut’s Stage, with her unique fusion of contemporary low-fi beats and vintage Britpop sound, it made for a Friday highlight. London based rap artist M Huncho captivated audiences with his brand of edgy, thought-provoking lyrics and beats, along with local legends SAINT PHNX who played to a hometown crowd. “We are SAINT PHNX from Glasgow and we’re so happy to be among you sexy people!”. Fresh off their preshow party last night at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - the duo shine on stage, loving what they do. “Glasgow, it’s good to be home!”, Callum Beattie screamed to a buzzing audience as he guzzled his beer, pumping his fist in the air he shouted “come on!” before performing ‘Daddy’s Eyes’. Walking out in a baby blue ensemble which included a sharp suit and tinted glasses to boot, Luke La Volpechannelled rock kings of the past from Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley, bringing a coy swagger to the King Tut’s Stage - ecstatic at the response from the crowd, Luke said, “I didn’t expect so many of ya” before playing track ‘Dead Man’s Blues’. Brooke Combe followed, with Brooke sauntering on stage shouting “What’s happening Glasgow!”, she received a warm welcome from the cinch presents TRNSMT crowd, the Edinburgh singer has had an incredible year and it all culminated in a white hot performance on the legendary King Tut’s Stage. 

Over on the River Stage, fans could catch the best up-and-coming artists, one day destined for the main stage. An energetic crowd saw The Skinner Brothers, coming alive at the question of frontman Zachary Skinner, “Are you ready to get it f****** moving?!”. Alongside Stone, Finn Askew, Dead Pony, The Roly Mo and Etta Marcus, there was no shortage of show stopping performances. Terra Kin, sashayed onto the stage in a flowing silk maxi dress, telling the crowd, “The sun is out and hopefully it’s here to stay”.

The next two days will see Main Stage headliners The Strokes and Lewis Capaldientertain crowds at sold-out Glasgow Green, with sets from Foals, Wolf Alice, Nina Nesbitt and many more. 

COLOURBOXX FESTIVAL CANCELLED AS FANS EXPRESS SURPRISE

 COLOURBOXX festival has been cancelled this summer in Bellahouston Park.

DF Concerts, who are also behind TRNSMT festival,  had planned  the day long festival with Becky Hill, Joesef, Berry Galazka, Bimini, HYYTS, Lawrence Chaney, and The Sugababes earlier this year and fans were excited for the pop centred line up. 

It will no longer happen - for the foreseeable.

DF Concerts told revellers in an online statement: "This event has been cancelled. Thank you so much for all the love and support you have shown Colourboxx so far.

We really hoped we would be coming to you with better news but, here’s hoping we will meet again to celebrate all things love, joy and unity with you.

"Love, Colourboxx x."

The event which was planned for the same day as Edinburgh Pride claimed of be a "vibrant wonderland where inclusivity and freedom of expression reign supreme", featuring drag acts across the UK and some of the country's most popular musicians.

Fans were left questioning the decision with some asking: "Does anybody know the actual reason Colourboxx in #Glasgow was cancelled? Their statement says jack all. Weird AF…"

Another lamented: "Gutted that colourboxx has been cancelled, had such a decent line up."

SCOTS FAMILY HOLD THEIR OWN FESTIVAL DURING LOCKDOWN

Beverley Lyons 
A Scots family were missing music festivals so much during isolation that they decided to hold their own in their garden. 
Rebecca Geddes, 20, from Invergordon and her mum Lynne Laird, 41,  and stepdad Alexander Laird, 39, took a week to plan and build their festival site at home. 
As well as all the virtual top acts, Rebecca, a nursery practitioner, Alexander, a painter and Lynne a careworker, even had their own fairground complete with washing whirligig merry go round, a Slam shed blaring out the latest tunes, snack bar selling big baps  and a firework display consisting of a sparkler to end the event. 
Their hilarious footage of the T in The Garden festival even shows them queuing up for passes and having their bags checked before camping out in the garden. 
Rebecca said: “My stepdad has gone to a festival every year since he was 16 and it would be a shame to miss out a year due to events being cancelled. Everyone was needing to have a bit of a laugh!”
The family had planned to attend a range of events including Belladrum this year as well as Party at the Palace (not cancelled just yet), Peat and Diesel Irish tour, Hunter and the Bear, Skippinish, Westlife, and Davy and Sam Cowan. 


Rebecca said: “We thought up the idea last weekend and building started on Friday. We were lucky that we had scaffolding, tents, gazebo, portaloo and a saw to cut a hole in the shed. The next door neighbours saw it all from their garden and windows. Entry was free for us as long as you had fun. 
We had Peat and Diesel headlining on the pyramid stage, Davy Cowan and Sam in the Arch Inn and Flynn in the Slam shed. We had a nice clean toilet, campsite, burger van, stall, and shows.”
We never expected it to go viral but are really happy that it did. 

LEWIS CAPALDI SAYS TRNSMT 2020 WILL BE CHUBBY AND FAST

LEWIS Capaldi claims things are about to get ‘chubby, sexy and fast’ as he’s confirmed he’s playing TRNSMT festival 2020 as headliner on Sunday July 12.  Lewis said of the news “Yaaaaaas! I've been lucky enough to play TRNSMT every year since it’s inception and to be a headliner is absolutely wild. Things are about to get chubby and sexy, fast. See you up the road next year! X”  After three incredible years in Glasgow Green, TRNSMT has also announced Courteeners and Liam Gallagher will bring top-draw headline performances to the heart of the city.

Liam who plays on Saturday said of the news: “I love Scotland and it’s an honour to be going back to headline TRNSMT Festival. P.s. Have I told you lately that I Love You?”     And Courteeners frontman Liam Fray who plays on Friday said: “Scotland took us straight to their hearts, right from the very start. Starting with playing the ABC with The Coral back in 2007, we’ve always had an amazing connection with the people of Scotland. Feels like a 2nd home. To headline TRNSMT is a serious honour and we'll be bringing a serious party. What a line-up”   Other acts announced for this years mega music fest include Rita Ora, Foals, Snow Patrol who missed playing last year, Blossoms, Sam Fender, Twin Atlantic and Ian Brown also making a TRNSMT debut.  Speaking about TRNSMT 2020, Rita Ora said: “Scotland! Delighted to return to Glasgow for my first appearance at TRNSMT, with an amazing lineup on the Sunday! Looking forward to seeing you all, it’s going to be a big one.”

Speaking about their hometown return, Twin Atlantic frontman Sam McTrusty added: “It’s going to be wild. We feel so energised with new music we made in a studio that overlooks Glasgow Green. There is no closer venue to our studio! It’s an added special sauce that is going to make this a day to remember for us. Ross and I walked past the production entrance in 2018 on our way to work on our new album ‘POWER’ when Queen were soundchecking and felt so inspired to the point that the energy of playing to a massive crowd outdoors in the city we belong to is literally interwoven with the music. Here we fucking go.”   Keane, Aitch and Little Simz also join the lineup which theshowbizlion.com reckons is one of the best yet.

Festival Director Geoff Ellis said: “The response that we’ve had to TRNSMT since we launched in 2017 is amazing to see. The fact that it has become such a pillar of the UK festival scene every year is testament to the incredible music fans that we have here in this country. We’re delighted that TRNSMT 2020 will host the major UK festival headline debuts from global superstar Lewis Capaldi and indie favourites Courteeners, plus the return of the legend that is Mr. Liam Gallagher. With a varied line up and many more acts to be announced in the new year, plus several fun activations as always, along with a wide range of drinks and scrumptious artisan food to suit all tastes, we can’t wait to welcome 50,000 music fans per day to the heart of this cultural capital that is Glasgow.” Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council said: “The world knows of Glasgow’s standing as one of the great music cities and our ability to put on a show. “In just four short years TRNSMT has cemented its place as a fixture on our events calendar, bringing tens of thousands of visitors and some of the biggest names in popular music to the heart of Glasgow, all generating a major lift for the city’s economy worth millions of pounds.  “2020 is shaping up to be a historic year for Glasgow. Euro 2020 at Hampden and the gathering of world leaders at COP26 will again underscore our international reputation for vitality, vibrancy and hospitality. TRNSMT will no doubt play its part in what will be a memorable 12 months. “Between now and July the Council will be working closely with organisers DF Concerts, other partner authorities and, of course, the local community to ensure that visitors and Glaswegians alike can enjoy and benefit from TRNSMT.”

Revealing only a selection of names set for TRNSMT 2020, with more to be revealed across the Main, King Tut’s Stage Powered by Utilita Energy and Queen Tut’s stage - it’s another blockbuster weekend in the UK festival summer that’ll have thousands flocking to Glasgow Green this July.   Home to the greatest crowd on the planet, TRNSMT welcomes 150,000 fans to Glasgow Green across one incredible weekend - as a pinnacle of the summer festival season and a defining headline moment for some of the biggest artists in the world. Previous years have seen the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, The Killers, Stormzy, Queen & Adam Lambertand George Ezra serve up mammoth moments, with TRNSMT 2020 destined to add more unforgettable memories in front of an adoring Glasgow crowd.

https://www.facebook.com/TRNSMTfest/  https://twitter.com/TRNSMTfest /  https://www.instagram.com/TRNSMTfest/ Friday July 10th Courteeners Ian Brown / Sam Fender / Blossoms / Aitch / Little Simz   Saturday July 11th Liam Gallagher Foals / Keane / Twin Atlantic   Sunday July 12th Lewis Capaldi Snow Patrol / Rita Ora Tickets for TRNSMT 2020 are on-sale from 9am on Friday November 29th, with a TRNSMT database pre-sale on sale from 9am on Wednesday November 27th.  Special Black Friday Deals* available for one week only: 1 Day Ticket - £62.60 1 Day VIP Ticket - £115.00   2 Day Tickets - £119.50 2 Day VIP Tickets - £220.00   *3 Day Weekend Tickets - £149.50 *3 Day VIP Tickets - £260.00   3 Day Weekend Tickets -£165 3 Day VIP Tickets - £275 -----------

KAREN GILLAN IN TALKS WITH STEVEN MOFFAT FOR NEW PROJECT

Beverley Lyons
KAREN Gillan is in talks about a new secret project with Doctor Who and Sherlock writer producer and showrunner Steven Moffat.
Scots born Steven, who appeared at Edinburgh TV Festival this week, is currently working on Dracula for Netflix and Time Travellers Wife for HBO and recently met with Karen at his home down south.
He said: “It’s always great to see her. I’ve seen Karen quite often since she left Doctor Who. It’s great. She came round to the local pub and caused a mild sensation as people started to realise a film star had arrived.  I’d forgotten that would happen. Mostly we talked about if we had seen Matt recently. There’s a thing we’re talking about doing. It’s so secret I’m calling it ‘There might be a thing.’ I’ve got a weeping angel in my garden and when folk come round they like to take selfies with it. I couldn’t resist getting a picture of it with Karen - and Matt and Peter have been round too.”
Karen is currently in Italy where she has been sunning herself aboard private yachts in between projects.
Karen just finished filming Gunpowder Milkshake which sees her play a female assassin with Lena Headley, Michelle Yeoh and Angela Bassett. 

RICHARD JOBSON GETS CROWD CHANTING FOR BORIS AT REWIND

Beverley Lyons 
SKIDS singer and actor Richard Jobson got the crowd at Rewind festival chanting  Boris Johnson Is A W****r.
The outspoken singer who had already had a go at Leo Sayer for blocking him from the top spot of the charts and even called him a little midget s*** last year for denying the band a number one album was in high spirits. 
As he performed Into The Valley, Masquerade, and Ever Fallen In Love at the nostalgia fest he couldn’t resist having a go at Boris. 
Talking of the possible prime minister to be, Richard said to  the crowd ‘Boris Johnson is a wanker and he’s not welcome in Scotland.” As the lively crowd cheered on, he baited them: “Altogether now. Boris Johnston Is A Wanker.”
The crowd of thirteen thousand revellers gave a rousing rendition of the chant.

Richard joined other stars from the eighties and nineties af Rewind in Perthshire’s Scone Palace including Toyah, Midge Ure, Hazel O Connor, Bjorn Again and Belinda Carlisle. 

Revellers dressed as Rubik Cubes, Wonderwomen, The Krankies and other eighties and nineties icons for the occasion. 

From Scotland with Love Theshowbizlion.com

GIRL POWER COMES TO TRNSMT FESTIVAL WITH QUEEN TUTS STAGE

The Spice Girls said it ages ago and Girl Power truly reigns as TRNSMT festival announces its brand new stage.

Queen Tut’s Stage, a permanent new addition to the TRNSMT Festival, is set to pave the way for a new generation of female headliners, with organisers DF Concerts committed to breaking down the ‘Gender Play Gap’ at the event.  Theshowbizlion.com and DF Concerts are also delighted Scottish Women Inventing Music (SWIM) will be onsite raising awareness of the organisation across the weekend.

Artists including Lauren Spiteri, LUNIR, ST MARTiiNS, Cara Rose, Chlobocop, Scarlett Randle will perform on Friday 12^th July + Zoe Graham, CRYSTAL, Sahara, Tongue Trap, Wet Look, Swim School play on Saturday 13^th July + The Eves, Zoee, Tamzene, Stephanie Cheape, Deni Smith, Baby Taylah join the bill on Sunday 14^th July 2019.

SWIM is a community of music creators and industry professionals who identify as female, and welcome non-binary, trans, queer women. The organisation is committed to achieving a level playing field for women, pushing for gender equality across the music industry, which includes musicians, DJs, composers, photographers, journalists and tech staff. Across the weekend of TRNSMT, festival goers will have the chance to hear more about their important work and donate to support their mission.  

Speaking about the new stage at TRNSMT Festival, DF Concerts’ Aarti Joshi said: “The Queen Tut’s Stage is a very important addition to TRNSMT Festival. As a company, we are committed to helping to close the gender play gap and at TRNSMT specifically, we have focussed on providing a platform for core female acts at a grassroots level to help them become the bill toppers of the future. Of course, as an industry, we have a long way to go but we feel this is a real step in the right direction.”

“With what will now be three stages of exceptional music to choose from, TRNSMT fans have a lot to look forward to and we’re very excited about artists like ST.MARTiiNS, Cara Rose, Scarlett Randle, and Chlobocop to name a few - the talent on our doorstep is of such an incredible level and we’re looking forward to celebrating from 12-14 July at Glasgow Green”. 

Hilary Brooks (SWIM Founder) said: “Scottish Women Inventing Music is a grassroots organisation partly inspired by KEYCHANGE, the international music initiative pledging 50:50 gender representation on festival and concert stages by 2022. I’m delighted that DF Concerts have invited SWIM this year to promote, celebrate and support women artists at TRNSMT and to fuel the discussion of creating a more equal and collaborative industry.”

The announcement follows the success of the sold-out Queen Tut’s event back in March that saw the legendary venue King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut renamed in celebration of International Women’s Day. The new stage will give TRNSMT Festival fans the opportunity to check out some of the best emerging female acts the country has to offer across three days of incredible live music. 

Spanning a wide variety of genres and styles, the Queen Tut’s line-up is a brilliant snapshot of Scotland’s flourishing and incredibly diverse music scene. Bringing their wholly unique and deeply alluring brand of woozy alt-pop to Glasgow Green, Dundee duo ST.MARTiiNS will be sure to make their mark on the opening day of the festival. Having gained a strong foothold in the Scottish music scene, it is no surprise that the recent LAB Record signees have started to seize the attention of tastemakers down south. 

CRYSTAL will bring their raw, grungy anthems to TRNSMT for the first time on Saturday 13^thJuly. Having made a lasting impression at the likes of Wide Days, TENEMENT TRAIL and more, they will go down a storm with TRNSMT fans this summer. All the way from the Scottish Highlands, Tamzene is sure to wow audiences with her incredibly soulful vocals and folk-inspired songs while fast-rising Glasgow artist Chlobocop will bring something entirely unique with her stylised, addictive pop tunes. 

The Queen Tut’s Stage artists will join a massive line-up for 2019 of Stormzy, Catfish and the Bottlemen, George Ezra, Gerry Cinnamon, Snow Patrol plus Richard Ashcroft, Jess Glynne, Sigrid, Mabel, Sam Fender, Jade Bird, Catherine McGrath and more. 

TRNSMT 2019 tickets are on sale NOW and available from WWW.TRNSMTFEST.COM

THE DUCHESS OF ARGYLL INVITES YOU TO PARTY AT INVERARAY CASTLE

IT’S not every day you get invited to enjoy music and food at the castle by the Duchess but then The Best of the West Festival isn’t like every other event. 

The Duchess of Argyll’s annual bash at Inveraray Castle is a real family friendly end of season showcase and will once again take over the picturesque grounds of Inveraray Castle from the September 7th-9th, 2018.

The event is arguably Scotland's finest boutique festival, where music and food lovers from across the globe gather to celebrate the very best in Scottish music, art, food and drink.

Inveraray Castle, the jewel in the West Highland’s crown, provides a unique and truly stunning backdrop to the weekend festival, which is mud free and fully under cover.
The imposing, turreted castle, sits on the shores of Loch Fyne surrounded by the breath-taking scenery of the west coast.

Now in its eighth year this stylish festival boasts an impressive list of headline musical acts.

On Friday night the event features Seven Nations, a Celtic rock band from New York City and the ever-popular four piece Scottish band Tide Lines.

Saturday brings two outstanding local bands Heron Valley, an energetic young band who grow in stature year on year and the crowd-pleasing Dr Hip and the Blues Operation, a Cowal band whose energy is infectious. Saturday’s music programme will be closed by a very special guest artist, who will be announced at a later date.

The event reaches its musical crescendo on Sunday afternoon with the Edinburgh roots/indie band Bwani Junction presenting an affectionate tribute to the seminal Paul Simon album ‘Graceland’ - which they will play in full. 

Then Skipinnish, Scots Trad Live Act of the Year, return for 2018 to end the party with a bang.

Other main stage acts, and performers for the Loch Fyne Whiskies Stage, will be announced soon.

The popular Festival Kitchen will see some of the finest west coast chefs, including Scotland’s Chef Gary MacLean, demonstrate their skills using the finest local ingredients. The food marquee will be full of much loved familiar names from the Food from Argyll group and invited friends to ensure the food offering really is the ‘best of the west’.

The Duchess of Argyll, Eleanor Argyll, BOWFest chairperson, said: “This year’s Best of the West Festival already looks exciting! As well as a fantastic line up of musicians, we have celebrity chefs, the best in Scotland’s food and drink and a whole host of children’s entertainments – something to keep all the family busy!”

A strictly limited number of Tier 1 tickets for Best of the West Festival will go on sale on Thursday 1st March 2018 priced at:

Weekend Adult £29.50; Weekend Child £14.50;
 Friday Adult £14.50; Friday Child £7.50;
 Saturday Adult £19.50; Saturday Child £9.50;
Sunday Adult £14.50; Sunday Child £7.50.

Children under 8 years of age free of charge.

MUSIC LEGENDS THE JACKSONS TURN SCOTTISH FOR CHARITY AHEAD OF SCOTFEST GIG

Beverley Lyons
HERE’S music legend Tito Jackson trying out his awful Scottish accent to wish punters a great new year ahead of a Scots music fest next July.
Taking time out from his tour, the Blame It On The Boogie and ABC singer tried out Scottish slang like Hoots Mon and Lang May Yer Lum Reek as well as admitting he couldn’t wait to explore the capital’s haunted dungeons as he teamed up with Scotfest to give 500 free tickets to deserving children.
Tito and his famous brothers The Jacksons are coming to Edinburgh to play Scotfest eighties and nineties music event at Ingliston’s Royal Highland Centre on July 6 and 7.
The singer, who has just celebrated the band’s fiftieth birthday this year said:
“We love Scotland and can’t wait to play our full stage show for the first time at Scotfest in Edinburgh in July. We might even have a tour of the castle and haunted dungeons when we’re there.”
Revealing that organisers of the big bash have donated £12,000 worth of free tickets to the NSPCC with their blessing as a special present to those in need, he added: “My brothers and I are so happy that we and other artists can help the children of the NSPCC through Scotfest.
“It is important to remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves at this time of year. It’s a lovely idea for a unique New Year present and it will be great to see them boogieing to our music over the two day festival.
We are looking forward to meeting with other artists including Five Star, and Boyzone during our summer trip to Ingliston.”
Tito who reckons the impending visit will be pure brilliant managed to mispronounce Edinburgh in our video but also sent a New Year message to fans saying ‘Lang May Yer Lum Reek.’
Scotfest is bringing other acts including Liberty X, B*witched and 5ive as well as local talents Blue Delta, The Session and Timed Out to the 35,000 capacity event which takes place the same weekend as Glasgow’s TRNSMT festival.
Festival boss Mark Bennett who ran the PKD festival in Dunfermline for eight years which was nominated for Scotland’s Best Outdoor Festival in the Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards, alongside events like T in the Park, is hoping to offer a family friendly event.
He said: “Charity has always been at the heart of the festival and we are delighted to team up with NSPCC this year. We’ll also be offering lots of child friendly activities during the festival and have special areas to keep the children safe while their parents enjoy a great weekend out.”

SCOTS TELLY PRESENTER EWEN CAMERON IN NAKED TELLY SHOCK

SCOTTISH telly presenter Ewen Cameron was left red faced after a female magician ended up stripping and jiggling her bits in his face during a recording of his TV show.
And last night telly chiefs were still deciding at the eleventh hour whether or not to screen the sexually risqué segment for the presenter's Late Show on STV 2.
Audience members at the afternoon live recording of Ewen's show were left aghast after magicians Peter and Bambi Heaven got carried away with their act and Bambi continuously groped Peter on the show.
One onlooker said: "Even as they were sitting down waiting to go on screen the lady magician was touching the man between his legs."
During the segment Bambi emerges from a box - but unknown to Ewan and the crew she had slipped off her clothes.
Before anyone could stop her she had jumped up on Ewen's desk as the flustered presenter tried to stop her from pushing her breasts in his face.  
Ewen told audience members afterwards: "I'm in shock. I had no idea that was going to happen. It was pretty extreme and we had no idea at all on the show that the act would be so sexually outrageous. We hope no one was offended."
Sent from Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com
Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Daily Record