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Gig Review: Cultural Vibrations turns 15 at Nottingham Playhouse

Cultural Vibrations is the brainchild and legacy to the Nottingham music scene, of Rasta Rella aka Rastarella L Falade. From very humble beginnings the organisation has become a central part of World Music in our city and now celebrates its 15-year anniversary. We went along to the Playhouse to celebrate...

In photos: Acoustickle Summer Showcase at Nottingham Playhouse

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Acoustickle, the local live music event representing original jazz, soul, RnB, hip hop and poetry artists from the UK. Since 2009, Acoustickle has established a fearsome reputation for being the spot to discover the next wave of artists. Last Friday's Acoustickle Summer Showcase saw emerging artists and promoters of the Global Ethnic Majority take over Nottingham Playhouse for a micro-festival within Transform Festival...

Exhibition review: Hamid Zénati, Claudia Martínez Garay and Julian Abraham at Nottingham Contemporary

A dynamic display of different cultures and styles are currently on show over at Nottingham Contemporary, showcasing floaty, folkish patterned hangings to musical instruments you can pick up and play. We went for a visit to enter the worlds of three very different artists, Hamid Zénati, Claudia Martínez Garay and Julian Abraham.

Haunting Ballet, sonic soundscapes, chilled open mics and wild bingo parties: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week 15-21 July

This week in Nottingham, enjoy some haunting ballet, wild bingo, have a chilled, creative Sunday at Cherry of Top, or check out new live music from the East Midlands.

Gig review: Ben McElroy at By Our Hands, with R.Dyer and Leah Sinead

A special evening of experimental folk at the unique, intimate venue By Our Hands, in Sneinton Avenues...

We talk shop with Nottingham legend and boss laydeh Charity Shop Sue

Fashion guru, DJ, LGBTQ+ icon, boss laydeh and star of her own TV show, it could be said that Charity Shop Sue is Nottingham’s biggest export. Having first graced our screens a decade ago, we thought it time to catch up, reflect on her illustrious career, and get some sahnd advice for living your best life.

Gig review: The Gaslight Anthem at Rock City

On the day when the whole city and country were somewhere watching the England vs Netherlands Euros semi-final, American rockers The Gaslight Anthem had the unenviable task of performing to 2,000 mildly distracted punters at Rock City. Taking the challenge firmly in their stride (and the result thankfully going England’s way), it made for a memorable night like no other in Nottingham’s most iconic music venue…

Gig review: Better Lovers at Rescue Rooms

Better Lovers rose like a phoenix from the ashes of the well-loved Every Time I Die, much to the joy of hardcore fans. At Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, they proved just why they are worth successors...

Loud and proud: ten top LGBTQ musical acts to discover in Notts

Within music and entertainment the LGBTQI+ community have always been at the forefront of creativity, pushing boundaries of identity, performance and sound. In celebration of these, we take a look at some of the musical artists hailing from Nottingham's vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Have a read, and explore some new sounds from these wonderful creatives.

Gig review: Palm Reader at Rescue Rooms

All good things must come to an end, and sadly that includes bands, too. We were at Rescue Rooms as local metal group Palm Reader were given an emotional send-off...

In photos: Jimmy Rocket and Friends V2 at Mimm Studios

The second edition of the renowned Jimmy Rocket and Friends event at Mimm Studios featured sets from Lvndlxrd, Rukus Regardless, Stan, Kyeza, Vandal, Savage, Origin One, and of course Jimmy Rocket...

Gig review: Kings of Leon at Motorpoint Arena

While an abundance of live music is a daily occurrence in our great city, it is not often that arguably one of the biggest rock bands in the world pays a visit to Nottingham. So naturally when the Followill family announced they were coming over from Nashville and stopping at the Arena in support of their latest opus Can We Please Have Fun, we had to go along to catch the Kings of Leon in action...

Big City Reads book reviews: Vern: Custodian of the Universe

Big City Reads is a campaign ran by Nottingham City of Literature to get thousands of free books in the hands and hearts of local young people. There are four different books on offer, so we asked young people to write a review of each one. Here, Daniella Hoyland gives us her thoughts on Vern: Custodian of the Universe.

Gay-bourhoods: a history of Nottingham queer bars

It has long been established that Broad Street is Nottingham’s official queer area complete with the rainbow crossings to prove it. Home to Lord Roberts, Rough Trade, Broadway, the Transgender clinic and health shop, it has the highest number of queer and queer adjacent businesses and support services. It hasn’t always been the only queer area of Nottingham throughout the decades… Here’s a brief history of queer spots in Notts.

Faced With Library Closures, Council Launches Consultation

Aspley, Basford, Bilborough and Radford-Lenton library are all on the chopping block. Don't miss the chance to have your say...

Celebrating 15 years of Cultural Vibrations

Cultural Vibrations (Unity Through Music) is Nottingham’s leading grassroots promoter for global roots music. As they celebrate their 15th anniversary with a concert at the Nottingham Playhouse on Saturday 13 July, we caught up with founder Rastarella Falade ahead of the night to hear how Cultural Vibrations began and what we can expect on the night.

Gig review: The Breeders at Rock City

Returning to Rock City after more than 30 years, The Breeders proved they've lost none of their dynamism. The show attracted old and new fans alike, and LeftLion was keen to get in on the action...

LeftLion Interviews Residency at Nottingham Central Library begins with The PETEBOX

We’re starting something new. It’s a series of live interviews at Nottingham Central Library with some of our favourite artists from or connected to Notts. We’re inviting you to join us for an early-evening of conversation about creativity.

Review: Gate To Southwell Festival

Despite its size, Gate To Southwell Festival offers a surprisingly deep and wide array of music and entertainment for all the family, attracting folk and roots artists from all over the world. LeftLion spent Saturday there and came away very impressed...

Nottingham designer and entrepreneur, Sara Christie talks about merging representation, authenticity, and empowerment with her family heritage

Nottingham designer and entrepreneur, Sara Christie, is no stranger to turning heads with her iconic, bold, statement accessories and signature chunky chains. Since the launch of her label BYSARACHRISTIE in 2020, her pieces have garnered a cult following. Fans include the likes of global superstar Kelis, popular singer-songwriter RAYE and actress Sarah Niles to name a few. Following the launch of her latest collection, The Empress Collection, we caught up with Sara to find out more…

Kings Of Leon, PETEBOX, Acoustickle, Women in S.T.E.M and a picnic. Here's what's on in Nottingham this week - 8th-14th July 2024...

This week Nottingham is bringing you music galore, kicking it off with BRIT Award winners Kings of Leon on Monday night. Then, later on in the week, the first LeftLion Live Podcast with The Petebox, and local acts from Acoustickle and Cultural Vibrations will come together for 15th anniversary showcases. Plus we have an exciting day of talks, that will celebrate women in S.T.E.M, a comedy night and much more.

In Photos: Push Rope with Airport Dad and Retina at Rough Trade

Gig review and interview: Calva Louise speak our language at The Bodega

The feast is far from over: a band fluent in electronica rock and fuzzy grunge, before their Rough Trade Nottingham gig, we sat down with Jess Allanic, Alizon Taho, and Ben Parker of Calva Louise to discover what it really means to be an oportunista...

In photos: Could Be Real Tribute Festival at Newstead Abbey

LeftLion headed to the beautiful Newstead Abbey for a one-of-a-kind event featuring 10 of the UK's best musical tribute acts across two stages. It may not have been the real thing, but that didn't stop everyone having fun...

Hedonism at Wollaton Hall: the Haçienda comes to Nottingham

The party of all parties comes to Nottingham, with support from a legendary, local, much-loved music brand.