Today's idea - WHITE MINK : BLACK COTTON. Electro Swing versus Speakeasy Jazz (and win a free CD!)

Tonight the chaps behind White Mink : Black Cotton are bringing their "electro swing versus speakeasy jazz" to Brighton's Fringe Festival. As a number of one off nights in their own right, they promise "many of the very best electro-swing bands around."

The CD that spawns this birth of the retro rebirth is made up of the Black Cotton and White Cotton disks. One totes "rare and original vinyl 78's as heard at London's legendary Black Cotton Club" and the other "the very best contemporary music influenced by 20s and 30s sounds." Dragging it into the 21st century, combined they make a brilliant album. You can have a listen to it on myspace, and find a review here.


IMPORTANTLY! we've got one copy of the album to give away! If you'd like it, send an email to boredofbrighton@gmail.com telling us so! We'll find some sort of hat to pick from.

Tonight is organised through Freerange (I assume this is the same Freerange that visits London, which makes me a big fan) and opens the Brighton Festival (perhaps unofficially). Alongside local band Swing Zazou, they bring the fantastic Correspondents, who do the best dancehall version of Jungle book's 'Be like you' I've ever heard. You can find them on MySpace and Last.fm - they've definitely worth a listen.

"We also have DJ sets from Nick Hollywood (White Mink) incorporating live VJing with sexy 1920’s black and white silent era movie clips, burlesque, display dancers and our award winning Black Cotton Club partners in crime, El Nino and Lady Kamikaze spinning original 78’s. Plus Carnivaleque DJs and Continental Drifts of Lost Vagueness fame too.
This event will bring together all the prime movers and shakers of the new Electro Swing scene in the UK for the very first time and will be a chance to catch what’s going on before it hits Glastonbury, Big Chill, Bestival etc later this year.

"As we emerge from the freeze of 2010, we have HOT music to stir the adrenalin, and when we say HOT, we mean SCORCHING! Music from the era that defined HOT.” (Tunes)

“Yes this really is a new genre, and an exciting one at last!” TimeOut"

Find more information here and you can get tickets online from brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk.

Time: 7.30pm - 2am.
At: St Peters Church Gardens
Cost: £10, £12 on door.

Today's idea - Free Screening of Hitchcock's North by Northwest

Today there's a chance to catch the Alfred Hitchcock's brilliant North by Northwest as it screens for free as part of City Reads, which has been taking place since National Book Week.

"Hapless New York advertising executive, Roger O. Thornhill, is mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and is pursued across the States by both spies and the government while he looks for a way to survive." (Find more at imdb)

Tonight, at 6pm, it's being shown at the very shiny Jubilee Library. It's free, it's a very good film. These things make us smile.


P.S. There's a deluge of soft rock, glam and drone at "Contort Yourself" taking place at the Jazz Place tonight, which looks rather good too.

Today's idea - Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution

(Important notice: yesterday's event takes place on Saturday 1st May)

Today, this may stem from an affair with day-time TV at a young age, in which Agatha Christie seemed to be permanently on television, but I'd choose to see Agatha Cristie's 'Witness for the Prosecution'. It's taking place at the Theatre Royal Brighton tonight - and runs until Saturday May 1st, when all the Festival and Fringe events start taking off!

"Emily French, an elderly woman who plans to leave her considerable estate to the charming young Leonard, is found dead. Murdered. Though he protests his innocence, Leonard quickly becomes the prime suspect. His plea hinges on his wife’s testimony, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious young woman, bearing an unexpected clue. Will the truth be revealed in time or will Leonard be declared guilty at the hands of the Witness for the Prosecution?

In a world where everyone seems to be harbouring a dark secret, this gripping courtroom drama will keep you guessing until the final fatal moment."

We like gripping court room things (similarly I'm permanently head-over-heels with 'An Inspector Calls'). What's your favourite kind?

You can find tickets and information here. It costs £15-£28 and is on at 7:45pm (Saturday has a matinee too). Find a map here.

EDIT: ON MAY 1ST ..Today's idea - The Steampunk Hidden Laboratory Encounters Gentlemen's Relish

EDIT: ON MAY 1ST

Today we like the sound of the Steampunk Hidden Laboratory, which today encounters Gnetlemen's Relish. I'm currently writing about Semiotics, so am going to be cheeky and stick the Facebook event description in, which describes it equally well.

"Myself and the curator of The Gentlemen's Relish Club have teamed up to create a Frankenstein's monster of an event. We have Victorian science shows, board games, live music, artsy stripping, markets and more. And because so much is happening for this event, we decided it needed in equally long moniker. Hence, we bring to you: The Steampunk Hidden Laboratory Encounters Gentlemen's Relish! Please feel free to abbreviate as you wish

We are going the extra mile this time, so as well as having the usual melee of markets and merriments during the day, we will be opening up the theatre from 3pm, where you will find befuddled scientists giving demonstrations of some once revolutionary inventions. Record sound on wax using an Edison Phonograph, or give yourself a jolt with the Violet Wand. More details on other side shows to follow!

From 7pm we have live bands, including the inspirational Sunday Driver, Perhaps Contraptions, Brother Goat and The Henry Brothers. Of course there will also be a variety of debauchery on stage, in the forms of nudity and even pipe smoking poetry. Yes, there will be poets smoking on stage! Just like the days of old.

Tickets are available from: here.

They are £10/8, and are slightly more pricey this time because we have more performances plus the costs of entering an event into the Fringe brochure. We do want you all to come though, so if money is an object that you think will get in the way of your attendance, please get in touch, and we will find a job for you for a couple of hours before, during or after the event.

So, just to remind you all:

1st May from 3pm
The Steampunk Hidden Laboratory Encounters Gentlemen's Relish
The Marlborough Theatre Brighton"

Find it on Facebook here.

Today's idea - We love Linocuts at Castor and Pollux

Today nice Linocut prints from 'Chroniques de New York' are on show at Castor and Pollux in their first exhibition of 2010. Made as illustrations by Julie Doucet for 'Chroniques de New York' by Jean-Fracois Jouanne, the "small but perfectly forms group of prints" went on show three days ago, and continue until May 24th. Doucet's comics and graphic novels will be lurking about in the bookshop.

It looks like nice, well made art, without too much art guff (I laugh childishly because I wrote 'ass guff'.) But anyway, it looks really lovely.

"At the Université du Québec à Montréal she completed a degree in printing arts. During her studies Julie Doucet took interest into drawing comics, and eventually devoted herself completely to that funny art form. Her comic book, Dirty Plotte began life as a photocopied fanzine. In it Doucet would document in french and in english her day to day life, her dreams, angsts, fantasies. The series was first published in 1991 by Drawn & Quarterly, in the comic book form. Shortly afterwards she won the prestigious Harvey Award for Best New Talent. She left for New York city, where she spent a year related in  ’My New York Diary’  In the 1990s, she abandoned the medium of comic books and went back to printing. Woodcuts, linocuts, silkscreen printing, followed by an abundant production of artist’s books. She took part in many group exhibitions and, finally, in 2006 she had her own solo exhibition of her print work at the galerie B-312. Julie Doucet now writes and makes collages. Mostly."

You can find some more of her work here.




The celebration of linocut prints continues with Paul Catherall, exhibiting as gallery artists during April and May.

"Catherall’s architectural prints draw from 20th Century poster design and focus on structures that are part of the urban environment with a clean and sharp palette inspired by commercial art of the 1950’s and 1960’s Catherall depicts various well-known landmarks from London, New York and Brighton.

Catherall identifies the established and continually developing skylines of his locations, treated equally in measure.  Catherall displays an expert eye for composition and colour; and great draughtsmanship, achieving ultimately a delicate balance between classic commercial design and contemporary urban landscape. His linocuts have become synonymous with Transport for London and Tate Modern."

It's free, and can be found at:
Location: 165 King's Road Arches, Lower Promenade
Map: here.

Today's idea - Communion at the Prince Albert

Communion, organised by Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons, Kevin Jones of Cherbourg, and producer Ian Grimble, comes from the summer of 2006. It aims to provide a platform for the newest bands on London's circuit. Nights have seen the movement of nu-folk bands Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling, Mumford and Sons, JJ Pistolet and Peggy Sue grace the stage. Tonight, Communion returns to the Prince Albert, now instated as a monthly event taking place on every 4th Sunday of the month. It's responsible for helping the launch of Esser's, The Holloways's, and Example's careers, with an eclectic ethos and sell-out nights. (You can also find them on Twitter @Communionmusic).

Tonight they bring the lineup of Handshake, Holy Vessels, Sam McCarthy, and Ghosts You Echo.

Handshake are lovely, up-tempo quirky folk, getting on the nu-folk bandwagon with a guitar, banjo, harmonica, accordion, fiddle, bass, bodrhran, and drums. Find Handshake;'s MySpace for a listen. We really like them. They're are also on Twitter @HandshakeMusic and Facebook.

Brighton-based Holy Vessels can also be found on MySpace and are currently touring Brighton pubs, next heading to the delightfully yellow Gladstone.

We like Sam McCarthy's cover of Bob Dylan's 'Forever Young' over on his MySpace, and he's done a light little track with Eliza Doolittle. That's rather nice too, and you can find a bit by him on Spotify.

We really like Ghosts You Echo who is less folky and more electronic in places. Perhaps I'm a sucker for synths, and caught up in the release of The xx's album, but she's really interesting. The EP's coming out with Roundhouse Music in May and you can find her on Last.fm

We had a hunt for videos but couldn't find any :( Communion's also bringing out a compilation LP.

Doors at 7pm, It's £4 in advance from Resident, Rounder and We Got Tickets.com, and £3.50 for students.

Today's idea - Off the Cuff at Upstairs at Three and Ten

Last time we listed Brighton comedy troupe Off The Cuff, they sold out before the event began. This time, if you're keen to see the Improv group hailed by Fringe guides and blamed for leaving people "heartened and exhilarated" return to Upstairs at Three and Ten we suggest you book in advance. N.b if you're interested in trying your hand at improv, they also gold an open rehearsal every week, which is free to attend (email sjduggan[at]googlemail.com).

The "most exciting, unpredictable and frequently just plain mental comedy your senses can feasibly experience. No script, no safety nets, no elbow pads; only your suggestions and raw, unpasteurised wit," rave the box office.

"The applause threatened to bring the roof down" ****1/2 Fringe Guru"

Sat 24th April
Start: 9pm
Tickets: £7/£5
Find out more at Otherplaceprodutions and book online here.

Today's idea - Beginner drop-in Trapeze/Ropes Classes

The Brighton Circus Project is getting pretty busy around town. They've got upcoming events at the Level and the Theatre Royal, which on occasion combine traditional circus acts with a bit of contemporary dance and a skateboard thrown in for good measure. Have a look at their video, made for the Final Cut exhibition - it's completely lovely and gives a great idea of what learning's like.



Tonight, for those interested in learning how to hang and throw yourself about gracefully from rope, there's a drop-in class for beginners. Regardless of how good your ability to hang from monkey bars currently stands at (mine is terrible), this is open to all standards - even those who've never had a go and it looks like a great environment to have a try of it in.

They've got a Photo Gallery worth a look and if you're feeling a bit shy, have a peek at the video for an idea about classes.

Just turn up a 6:45. It costs £8, lasts until 8pm and we advise against baggy clothes. Find it at Hangleton Community Centre (Buses 5, 5a and 5b) - and a map here.

Today's idea - Good Shoes at Audio

Today at Audio, Good Shoes are playing. They make happy jolly indie stuff and we have a soft spot for them, responsible for 'The Photos on my Wall' and 'Never meant to hurt you'.

The noisy pop will be coming to Brighton to accompany the release of new EP 'The Way my Heart Beats' this week. They've had a big history involving working with indie bands of the last six years such as We Are Scientists, The Rakes, Kaiser Chiefs, Pigeon Detectives which are bands you might recall from the admittedly changing scene (yeah, remember Art Brut?).

Regardless, Good Shoes age somewhat better and we're keen to see their dancey moves at Audio tonight. If their newest album - which we've been catching over on YouTube: it involves lots of floating bright confetti strips and hanging upside down - continues to run in the vein of previous album 'Think Before You Speak' it'll be a good night of somewhat nostalgic, hectic and gorgeous indie pop. Their sound's adapted slightly. How do you like it? We're curious.

Have a listen. You can find them on Spotify and Last.fm.





Find tickets on Ticketmaster for £8+BF or on the door for £9.50. You can find Audio Facebook group here. Doors at 7pm

"She wore too much Topshop." - Never meant to hurt you.

Today's idea - Spring Exhibition

Following on from last year's first Spring Exhibition which was a big success, Brighton and Hove Arts Council presents this year's Exhibition takes place today with contributions from five art groups around town. Opening today, the exhibition will feature oil paintings, watercolours, sculpture and mixed media, showcasing from art societies: Dupont Art Club at Hove, In it for Life, Society of Catholic Artists (Sussex), Society of Sussex Painters and South Downs Art Society. "Work will also be for sale at reasonable prices."

It's taking place in the Brighton Friends' Meeting house, a nice building from 1805 with some lovely gardens that's about two minutes from the seaside - usefully accessible and not too far too walk out of your way. Running until the 24th April (Saturday). It's running 10am-5pm weekdays, and 10am-4pm on Saturday.

Today's idea - The Infidel starring Omid Djalili

Today at the Duke of York's The Infidel is playing. Starring British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili the film covers a full-scale Islamic and Jewish identity crisis.

Here's the trailer:



The plot:

"Meet Mahmud Nasir, loving husband, doting father and something of a 'relaxed' Muslim.
Does the 'F' word occasionally pass his lips? It's hardly worth mentioning.
Does he say his prayers five times a day? Of course! Well, usually..
Does he fast every day of Ramadan? Who's counting anyway? Mahmud may not be the most observant, but in his heart he is as Muslim as it gets.
But after his mother's death a discovery turns his world upside down.
He finds his birth certificate, which reveals that not only was he adopted at birth..
but he's Jewish, and his real name is Solly Shimshillewitz! As Mahmud tumbles headlong into a full-scale identity crisis, the only person he can turn to is Lenny, a drunken Jewish cabbie who agrees to give him lessons in Jewishness, which start with how to dance like Topol.
Oy vey."

And here's a bit of his stand-up:



Oy vey indeed. It's 104 minutes, starts at 9pm (or on Fri 28 May at 11:30pm) and costs £7.50for adults and £6.50 for students. You can buy tickets in advance here.

Today's idea - The Fishbowl!

We love The Fishbowl so today we recommend you go to it, one of our favourite pubs in this gorgeous sunshine (horray)! Whilst we're stuck inside being grown-ups and dull, and can't wait for the evening to potter about in front of a setting sun! If you can make it we recommend a plod to the beach and a good old cotch in the Fish Bowl.



With low ceilings and giant beams, it's a lovely place adorned with fairy lights that manage not to be garish, wooden tables (we like our wood) and a giant fish bowls or two. Nestled in the south lanes with candles flickering away on every table lighting crevices beautifully, you get a nice view down onto the South Lanes, especially from the leather seats pressed into the curved windows. It's a little two-storey affair - upstairs a bit more mellow - with a present but not too pressing homey, natural feel, it's nestled right by the sea. We'll be there after a good gamble on the sea front because we are, at heart, children.

Find it on the map here!

Today's idea - Plant Portraits at the Booth Museum

Today's Marathon Day. Notably there are other things on in Brighton, one of which is Frankie Boyle, the rowdy Scotsman, and another is the sound of the Cricket Club rousing itself into action. Our favourite thing meanwhile, is a return visit to the Booth Museum of Natural History.

A loved little gem worth a venture down Dyke Road to, today's exhibition dubbed 'Plant Portraits' hope to capture what photos cannot displaying collection of paintings by botanical artists. The paintings aim to convey a plant's technical form and structure as well as beauty. For scientists and art fans, the museum boldly declares:

"Art is important in understanding and communicating the natural world and plants are fundamental to our survival."

Botanical illustrators today are not just flower painters, but inheritors of a legacy of historical importance going back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. To be successful they must be technically highly competent in drawing and painting, with a good knowledge of botany and the ability to convey the sense of wonder of the plant world.

The beautiful works of art in Plant Portraits are complemented by magnificently illustrated botanical books and specimens from the Booth Museum collections."

Running until the 24th September this year, admission to the exhibition is free. Today it's open from 2-5pm (otherwise: Monday-Wednesday, Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm). We shall be dragging all our biology-interested friends on an outing to this.

Find a map here.

Today's idea - Record Store Day

Today Resident, the infamously indie toting record store, is repeating their Record Store Day as part of the Brighton Festival of Shopping and as part of a country-wide phenomenon. As an "awesome celebration of all that's great about record stores" it's immensely busy and hectic (perhaps less-so in the shoe-gazing section). Excuse our cheap jokes.

Importantly, a number of titles are being produced for early release exclusively for the day and will be hitting only 100 shops, so if you're a music fan you'll probably want to politely queuing/rudely elbowing (depending on your shopping style) for some great CDs.

You can find a list of exclusive titles - and it's pretty long, prepare yourself.

There's a couple of rules:

• As you can see, some of the releases are stupidly limited & with over 100 shops taking part, you can see that there won’t be a lot to go around of some of these titles. You’ll have to get up early & get yourself down here for opening time (9am) if there are things you are desperate to get your hands on – the early birds were very much the winners last year.
• These RSD titles will only be available in the shop – no releases are being sold online or as mail order for this event
• There are strictly no preorders / reservations for anyone – no matter how hard you plead!
• Only 1 copy of any release per customer

On a personal note, it might be a good opportunity to grab that new Blur track titled "Fool's Day", the first track from the group on over seven years, that's been hitting the press all week.

Today's idea - My Arm at The Basement

Today The Basement, of which we are rather fond, have a curious performance titled 'My Arm'. Having toured internationally since it premiered at the Traverse Theatre in 2003, this is the first time it comes to the public eye in Brighton.

"“At the age of 10, for want of anything more meaningful to do, I put my arm above my head and kept it there. Now, thirty years on, I’m so full of meaning it’s killing me.”

Told through performance, film and the animation of everyday objects, my arm is the story of an empty gesture. It’s the confession of a man who has lived for thirty years by the courage of his lack of conviction. In that process he’s become a celebrated medical specimen and an icon of the New York art scene.  It’s about modern art, bloody-mindedness and how the things we do when we’re ten stick with us for life."

"Colossally powerful” says The Scotsman, singing its praise.

The Basement is often home to experimental performers, describing itself fairly accurately as "a vibrant hub for all things subversive and idiosyncratic". We're not sure if it'll be taking place in The Space, a large room with "unbound experimentation" or in the more intimate amphitheater known as 'The Pit' with a sunken stage but we expect a visit to the arty venue to be very much worth it.

Written and performed by Tim Crouch; film by Chris Dorley-Brown
Date: Fri 16th & Sat 17th April
Doors: 7.30pm
Tickets: £8 / £6 (Concessions)
Find it on the map here.

Today's ideas - Fistful of Dynamite & One+One Filmmakers Launch!

Today we're excited about two things, yet again. One, at the less than swanky Hector's House where friends of Bored of Brighton, Fistful of Dynamite are playing. Find their Hammond Organ-Driven Funk, slap bass, G-Funk hip hop synths, stompy glam-rock attitude and tempo changes galore on MySpace, and the event listing on Facebook. We're rather keen on them and we're not the only ones.

"In Short, Fistful Of Dynamite are the infectious bundle of happy-faced talent everybody's been waiting for…"

Have a listen.

We're also a bit excited about the One+One Filmmakers Journal Launch. It's essentially the launch of the latest issue of the One+One Filmmakers Journal, but there's also some screenings we're quite excited on. Eight rarely seen Derek Jarman films are being aired with introduction from the films' producer James Mackay. There'll also be shorts from Jeff Keen, and an exclusive video interview with Ron Peck conducted for One+One including film clips from the seminar British Filmmaker.

I've lifted quite a few of those words from the Facebook event page, and perhaps I'm just excited by the zealous use of "Exclusive" and "super". Regardless, it sounds like a nice venture. The event is free and the magazine will also be handed out at the event for free.

This is all taking place at the Red Roster Cafe - doors at 7.30pm to start at 8pm.

Today's idea - 'In Flames' at the Brighton Little Theatre

Today at the Brighton Little Theatre, In Flame, a new play by Charlotte Jones comes to the stage, followed by beaming quotes from The Sunday Times after its stint on the West End. “It has some of the best writing I have come across, vigorous, poetic and lethally funny, probing hearts with warmth, compassion and irony” the newspaper gushed.

The plot is thus:

"In Flame juxtaposes different periods. The present where we see Alex, a young woman, coping with a mother who has Alzheimer’s disease. Not only does she have to cope with her mother but Alex has to deal with a difficult flatmate and a selfish married lover. Meanwhile in 1908 Yorkshire, Alex's ancestors have a similarly stressful time: the simple minded Clara and the oppressed Livvy live with their stonily severe Gramma."

It sounds a tad unusual, presenting itself as "not only one play but two, with scenes intermingled from 1908 and the present day." Running until Saturday 17 April, it costs £7.50 a ticket and starts at 7:45pm. You can book tickets online or telephone the Box Office on 01273 777 748.

Find it on the map here.

Today's idea - Robert Thompson & Mick Jackson

Today two authors, Rupert Thompson and Mick Jackson come to read and discuss their new books at The Old Market in Hove.

Rupert Thomson is the author of eight highly acclaimed novels including ‘Air & Fire’, ‘Soft’, ‘The Book of Revelation’, ‘Divided Kingdom’ and most recently ‘Death of a Murderer’ and brings his new book ‘This Party’s Got to Stop’. Described as "a moving and disarmingly funny memoir. It is an honest account of mismanaged goodbyes, of time lost and time wasted. It reveals the complexities of family life in graphic and often heartbreaking detail," he will be joined by Mick Jackson.

Jackson's "first book ‘The Underground Man’ was shortlisted for The Booker Prize in 1998. His second, ‘Five Boys’ was a wonderfully nostalgic and vibrant read. He is also the author of two eccentric delights;‘Ten Sorry Tales’and ‘Bears of England’.

His moving and comical new novel ‘The Widow’s Tale’conjures up the most defiantly unapologetic of narrators as she begins to pick over the wreckage of her life."

Tonight only you can come and hear the two authors read from and discuss their new books. Tickets at £6 and doors are at 6:30pm.

Today's idea - Pav Tav & Resident Free Gigs

Sorry all, but Resident's just emailed to alert that Alexander Wolfe is canceled due to illness. Pav Tav meanwhile, is still on!

Tonight there's two free gigs about town; one at The Pav Tav and one at Resident Records. We can't decide quite which to go to at the moment.

At 6pm today ex-Brighton-Resident singer/songwriter/arranger Alexander Wolfe will be celebrating the launch of his debut album 'Morning Brings a Flood' with an in-store session. Likened to Guy Garvey, with songs echoing Elliot Smith, Nick Drake, and in the more raucous moments, Jeff Buckley. "You're in for a treat," say Resident, "We can't recommend the album of his live performance highly enough." He's brought along his cellist too, which should be a bit special.

Have a listen on his myspace.com/alexanderwolfe or find him on Spotify. It's free as usual, starting at 6pm.

On the other hand, for more lengthy music, The Pav Tav is holding a free folk pop show downstairs in Pav Tav. Admiral Fallow cites the fairly traditional influences of Tom Waits, Elbow, Low, Midlake, King Creosote, and Springsteen, and brings a clarinet, flute, double bass (and four voices) to the Pav Tav's traditional indie line-ups. Have Tav HQ describes them as "Joyous, heart-filled, orchestral-tinged and beautifully well crafted songs."

Previously they've been toting support in the form of Guillemots' Fyfe Dangerfield, chosen as support with a certain amount of lauding and rave reviews afoot. "Join us on a lazy Monay night with support from the fantastic Aaron King AND Paul Steel," the Pav Tav invites.

starts 7.30pm
ends 10pm
free entry/

Which would you pick?

Today's idea - Toby Whitehouse talks at The Redroaster Coffee House

Today Toby Whitehouse, English actor, comedian and screenwriter comes to the Redroaster Coffee House, home of Floetics which we occasionally bang on about. He's best known for his writing for Doctor Who, Torchwood, and Being Human. You might also recognise him as Alastair from Bridget Jones's Diary. We don't have too much information on this one, but today, if you head over to Kemptown you can catch him giving a talk and answering a Q&A session. With his history and involvement in BBC Sci Fi, it should be good. Get your question-asking thinking caps on.

It's on at 7:30pm, and ou can find the event on Facebook

Alternatively, the Marlborough Theatre is holding 'Your Country Needs You' - "dragtastic song and dance for your titillation and aural pleasure from the era which had women wearing the trousers" but we thought the talk was something a bit different. Have a good Sunday :)

Today's idea - The King Blues

I last saw the King Blues two years ago at a Ska Festival in Exeter. By then, they'd gone from unknown bashful types to famous after the launch and following success of their debut album. At some point between the two, a lout had stolen the lead singer's pork pie hat he told us when we asked, badgering him about the important fashion of today after the gig.

If you fancy some skanking tonight, the King Blues are good candidates. Labelled by Komedia as "acoustic punks" which is a tad perplexing (have a listen on their Myspace here) but regardless, there's still a few tickets for the gig so we're definitely recommending. ASAP, call Resident Records on 01273 606312 for the last tickets! They're £9.50 by the way, which should encourage you to grab the phone.

Support is Mouthwash and The Meow Meows. Doors are at 7pm with proposed finish at 10pm. It's for age 14+, under 16s with an adults.

Img via the guardian.

Today's idea - Jake Goss' Banyan at the Brighton Jazz Club

Tonight we've voting for Komedia' Jazz Club. Jazz, we do not know much about, but we're very good at drinking and appreciating it regardless. We hope you are too. Every Friday the Brighton Jazz club takes place in the cosy studio bar featuring "an unparalleled collection of powerhouse performers and a wide selection of the jazz world’s most extravagant talents."

Tonight Jake Goss's Banyan take the stage with Kit Downes on piano, Sam Lasserson on bass, and James Maddren on drums. Tsh tsh, tsh tsh tsh.

The Jazz club closes during the May Festival, so we're popping down this month for an investigation. Catch it tonight for £12. Doors at 8:30pm with music until 11pm with tickets available from The Dome Box Office (01273 709709), and online through www.brightonticketshop.com or alternatively on the door.

Today's idea - Bedroom Bond: From 'Russia with Love' readings

Today, as part of World Book events, Brighton's myhotel hosts 'Bedroom Bond'. With a 'reader in residence' the event invites guests to an intimate alcohol fueled reading of Flemming's classic From Russia With Love in a luxury penthouse suite. A personal barman will be mixing compimentary vodka martinis (shaken not stirred, of course) and the venue will overlook the city skyline which, with today's weather, should be gorgeous. All in all, a little bit swish.

‘Damian Barr is the new ringmaster’ Julie Burchill

Damian Barr has been a 'reader in residence' across the globe from London's Andaz Hotel to the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan, and we reckon he's probably got a bit of a gooey voice. Readings will be to groups of no more than 4 people and should be that little bit special.

Tickets are £5 per person with one free martini included. Unsurprisingly, it's 18+. Find tickets from Tickets: Brighton Dome Ticket Office (01273) 709709 or brightonticketshop.com with showings at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm &11pm, depending on how you like your city to look. If you can't make today, they repeat on the 15, 22 &29 April at the same times.

Today's idea: Peggy Sue at Resident

The journey of Peggy Sue is a great lesson to bands who occasionally feel hemmed in by the geographical constraints of their early days; playing the same damn venues to the same, familiar audiences. Peggy Sue - the band who, recently signed to Wichita Records and this week released a brave, complex and beautiful debut album, 'Fossils and Other Phantoms' - once consisted of Rosa Rex and Katy Klaw, and traded as Peggy Sue and the Pirates. They seemed to play in Brighton constantly; bringing amateurish, good humoured folk to a band of amused but slightly perplexed punters.

For every moment that their two, perfectly calibrated voices soared, there was another where one drummed clumsily on the back of a stool while the other warbled about being Superman. For those of us who fell totally in love with them back in the early days, their lack of seriousness and musical skill wasn't problematic at all, and an early tide of interest led... nowhere fast. Something - their own ambition, in retrospect - stopped them from recording an album, and instead they added a drummer, began building their reputation nationally, and began crafting more complex, dark songs which counterbalanced their quirkiness and personal chemistry with heavy, heady lyrics about skin, bones, and broken relationships.

All of this has culminated, finally, in their new LP. It's brave not just because the band have come so far from their early days, but because there's not a thing about their sound they haven't worked on. Their arrangements are richer and more confident, their lyrics more beautiful, their old songs ruthlessly jettisoned in favour of newer tracks. In many ways they're an unrecognisable band, having long transcended the likes of Jeffrey Lewis who once inspired them.

Having been unsatisfied, then, with the role of local heroes, Peggy Sue have rowed out further and created real, substantive waves. They're back in Brighton tonight, however, and you can catch them at the perpetually wonderful Resident Records. It's free, and they're onstage at 6.

Today's idea - Sparks: spoken word and short stories

There's spoken word today at Upstairs at Three and Ten, upcoming art and comedy bar in Old Steine. Tonight they're hosting their own version - for a simple comparison - of Floetics and invite you to come and read, or come and listen to, excellent short stories by local authors. Similar Brighton events have been massively popular in the past, sprouting in local cosy cafes, and Upstairs at Three and Ten is no exception. Their events have a tendency to sell out, so possibly Book Online before heading out for this one. It costs £5 with doors at 7:50 for an 8pm start.

"Flash fiction is the literary equivalent of hotpants: there are short shorts, and then there are short shorts... For those wanting to hear some new literary voices I recommend it" The Argus

Details for submitting entries for the next Sparks events can be found on the

Today's idea - in-store with Gloria Cycles

Today sees Gloria Cycles come to Resident in another of their brilliant in-store gigs. In-stores are lovely intimate things with attendees lining the CD and LP aisles and tonight sees the Brighton-based Gloria Cycles album launch show before they jet off to Italy and beyond (with a short return scheduled on April 18)

They've spent the last year touring and gigging in front of thousands of fans, and have now been noticed by the Radio 1 'Tastemakers.'

"The band have a true DIY ethic, they make their own dazzling artwork, promote their very own club night in Brighton and also direct their own videos."

ArtRocker says this of the band:


Personally their first track of MySpace takes me back to Night of the Trees by the Young Knives. Have a listen at myspace.com/gloriacycles. It's tonight at 6:30pm and Resident's notes they'll also be selling the album Campside Discotheque a week early. Around the web they're heralded as ones to watch.

Completely free, and always lovely.

Today's idea - Easter Bonnet Parade

Today at 2:30pm a giant Easter Bonnet Parade is taking place from Western Street to Bedford Tavern. We don't have too many details on this but if you're looking to distract and engage kids in Easter-based things today, or just have a look at locals doing local-type things, this is probably for you. News sources tell us that Mayor Councillor Anne Norman is attending, but the main attraction really would be the hats.
Open to all for free.

Brighton Marina, on the other hand, also seems worthy of a good stomp around.

img via istolethetv

Today's idea - The Treason Show

Today we recommend The Treason Show. Aside from a strange looked half-naked man in the picture, we suspect this may be quite good. It's on tonight at the Dome:

"The Treason Show team are back in their new home taking another satirical swipe at the world of politics, sport and popular culture.

Their irreverent treatment of all things topical leaves no stone unturned, nor is any famous figure immune from their biting satire.

This famous gag-a-minute sketch show uses strong language and adult themes, and may contain nudity. It is suitable only for adults... the more unscrupulous the adult, the better!"

It's on at 8pm and is strictly only for adults. Find tickets for £10 or £12 on the Dome site.

Today's idea - Kids Easter Egg Hunt

Today, a kids-based Easter Egg hunt. Running until 30 April, Brighton & Hove's Festival of Shopping is organising a kids Easter Egg Trail around the city:

"Dotted around the city you'll find 29 giant painted eggs hanging outside shops and retailers. Follow the simple clues on the Kid's egg trail entry form, to fill in the names of at least 12 out of the 29 outlets.

Then simply return the entry form for your chance to win a family weekend break in Brighton & Hove courtesy of Hilton Brighton Metropole.

The prize is an overnight family sty at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, including two interconnecting guest rooms, dinner and breakfast."

You can download the entry form from here. Have fun running about the city, or keeping kids entertained whilst you shop.

Today's idea - Wild Planet Photographer of the Year Exhibition

The sun's out! Today we recommend checking out the Wild Planet Photographer of the year. The touring exhibition features 80 of the most spectacular image taken from Wildlife photographer of the year and is spread along the promenade between the two piers. As the world's most prestigious wildlife photography competition and an international leader in providing new insights into the natural world, the photos should be brilliant.



"Displayed outside, on a large scale, the dramatic images will be available to enjoy throughout the day and will be illuminated by night for people to view while taking an evening stroll along the promenade.

Wild Planet will feature 80 of the most spectacular images taken from Wildlife Photographer of the Year – the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition and an international leader in providing new insights into the natural world. The special selection of past award-winning and commended competition images are captioned with the story of how they were taken, alongside insights into the species captured on film, inspiring and educating a new generation of wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts."

Find it until 26 September between the two piers.