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LeftLion Issue #171 May 2024

This month's edition of LeftLion takes a deep dive into the world of fanzines and indie publishing in Nottingham. Read about football fanzines The Pie and Brian, St Ann's anarchist archive Sparrows' Nest, a new exhibition about the Women's Liberation Movement in Nottingham, and hear from the creators of Moan Zine and Queer Zine. We also interview Notts party people Soul Buggin', businessman Brian Butterfield, and Skate Nottingham.

Ballet, Talks About Women in Music, a Movie About the UK Rave Scene and Literature Lectures: Here's What's On In Nottingham This Week: 29 April - 5 May 2024

This week in Nottingham we have ballet, talks about women in music, a movie about the UK rave scene and literature lectures from acclaimed international authors...

Music Reviews: April 2024

LeftLion Listens: Kai-Otee, Roshan Sabet, Di$mal, Sharon Watkins, Rat Face Lewey, Drone Queen, Deri Sharman, Kirvn, ThaiThai, EM

Poetry, Light Displays, and The History of Electronic Music Here's What's On This Week in Nottingham: 15 - 21 April 2024

There's plenty to keep you entertained this week in Nottingham, from futuristic light displays in the sky to reflective poetry and the history of electronic music. Here's our top picks of what to get up to....

Friends of the Earth Host Green Hustings for Regional Mayor Candidates

Fancy having the chance to ask questions about climate responsibility to the candidates for East Midlands Mayor ahead of the upcoming elections? This Wednesday 17 April is your chance to get involved at the online Mayoral Green Hustings. Here’s why it’s important and what to expect…

Pint of Science Festival Returns To Nottingham This May

Enjoy expanding your knowledge over a pint in the pub? The Pint of Science Festival returns to Nottingham this May, bringing talks and quizzes on topics from chemistry and physics to psychology and wellbeing to a pub near you.

Comedy, Theatre, Ice-skating and Music: Here's What's on in Nottingham 25 - 31 March 2024

The Easter Bank Holiday awaits! Whether you're a theatre enthusiast, comedy lover, or simply looking for family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Gig Review: Indira May and Saffron at Jamcafé

Performing their multi instrumental collaborative EP ‘Disconnected’ Artists Indira May and Saffron sell out Jamcafe and host a groovy, lively Wednesday Night. 

Theatre Review: Shrek the Musical

A fantastically fun and silly swamp scented show

Concert: The Hallé Film Music- Action Movies

Kevin Stanley was blown away by the music of the movies at The Royal Concert Hall…

Music Reviews: March 2024

This month, we review music from Whisky Stain, Lacey, Otala, Hallowed Men, Blu Syrup, Cappo & Kong Artisan, Bunnie, Albion and Daudi Matsiko...

We spoke to Soul-Pop Sensation Rob Green about Masculinity, Music and Mental Health,

He is one of Nottingham’s best-loved live performers, whose iconic sets at festivals like Splendour, Hockley Hustle and most recently, Beat The Streets, have become the stuff of local legend. This was confirmed by the fact his upcoming show at Nottingham Central Library completely sold out in less than a week. Ahead of that show and him then hitting the road for The Undercover Tour, we sat down for a chat with soul-pop sensation ROB.GREEN…

Gig Review: The Maybellines at Billy Bootleggers

Comedy, Music, Dance and Ethical Fashion: Here’s What’s On in Nottingham this week 26 Feb - 3 March 2024

Whether you fancy being amused with comedy, moved by ballet, inspired by fashion, there's plenty happening in Notts this week!

From Vesta Tilley to Douglas Byng, Learn More About Early History of Nottingham’s Music Halls and the Stars It Created

When it comes to the theatre, Nottingham has no shortage of stages, from the Playhouse to Nonsuch to the Theatre Royal. But we don’t often think of the wonderful history of old music halls and their star performers… 

We Speak to World Music Event Producer Rastarella as Her Signature Event Cultural Vibrations Turns Fifteen Years Old

Born in Trinidad, Rastarella is a world music event producer, an empowerment speaker and hosts on Nottingham’s number one urban radio station, 97.5 Kemet FM. She is also a mother of three daughters, a SEN mother, and married. If you ever get to meet Rastarella, you will never forget it. Launching her signature event Cultural Vibrations in 2009 at Hockley Hustle and founding the Nottingham Global Roots Festival in 2015, 2024 marks her fifteenth year in business. It's a massive milestone as a grassroots promoter who is consistently showcasing music from around the world at numerous venues, events and festivals. This is Rastarella, interviewed by Parisa East of Acoustickle…

Music Reviews: February 2024

This month, we review music from Louis Croft, Molly, Alfie Wallace, Cheap Dirty Horse, Serena Jasmine, LYVIA, Charity Stow, Tom Shawcroft and Betsey B...

Circle of Light To Orchestrate Music Career Opportunities For Hundreds of Young People

The Circle of Light music and wellbeing project is back for a fifth year with opportunities for young people aged 16-25 looking for pathways into the music industry...

We Speak to Music Artist and Entrepreneur Parisa East as Her Live Music Platform Acoustickle Turns Fifteen Years Old

Parisa East is a music artist and entrepreneur with many years of experience promoting live music events, supporting local talent, and providing quality cultural experiences in Nottingham. In 2009 she launched Acoustickle: a live music platform to spotlight emerging artists, and encourage musicians to share their original compositions with respectful audiences. With decorated venues, and intimate, inspiring performance spaces, the immersive atmosphere captivates all that are present. In 2022, she received an AIM award, as the East Midlands local hero, nominated by Dean Jackson, presenter of BBC Introducing. This is Parisa East, interviewed by Acoustickle’s very own CeCe about her visions for the future and the importance of creating a stage for unknown artists…

Gig Diary: We Visit Some of Nottingham’s Most Loved Music Venues

In Nottingham, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to live music venues. From the Motorpoint Arena with its capacity of 10,000 to smaller rooms like The Bodega and The Chameleon, we really do have it all. Our Kira O’Boyle set off on a journey, attending as many gigs as possible over a two-week period to decide once and for all which one is her ultimate favourite. Here are her gig diaries…

February’s Cover Artist Iulia Matei Tells Us More About Her Music-Themed Design

We hear more about the February issue’s cover from the talented illustrator, Iulia Matei…

Music Reviews: January 2024

This month, we review music from Simon Waldram, Airport Dad, Pretty Windows, Chloe Rodgers, Penny Moon, 1st Blood and Armton...

Artist Harry Mayston on Having His Work Exhibited at Surface Gallery

After graduating with a degree in fine art from Loughborough University, artist Harry Mayston went on to have his work exhibited in Surface Gallery’s recent exhibition Vessel after he, by chance, was asked to give the team behind the gallery a tour of the Loughborough School of Design and Creative Arts degree show. Following the exhibition, he tells us more about the nature of his piece Blue Things, which was made up of 76 cyanotype prints, and the plans he has for the future of his art practice…

DIY Musician Ricky Jamaraz Tells Us How He Transported His Music From His Bedroom to 166 Countries

In 2023, Ricky Jamaraz’s music was streamed from 166 different countries, 5.4 million times on Spotify. To put this into perspective, this length of time equates to 29 years, which is roughly how long it would take to walk from the Earth to the Moon three times. Ricky’s jaw fell off when he saw these figures and it’s no surprise - he’s only sixteen years old, still attends school, and makes all of his music from his very own childhood bedroom. We spoke to the DIY musician about how he went about transporting his music from his bedroom to the world…

How Do the Processes of Making Music and Art Differ From One Another? We Find Out From 5 Nottingham Creatives

Louis Cypher asks five different Nottingham creatives how the need to make money affects their art, what the differences are in their creative processes, and whether they prefer one over the other...