Hi Everyone,
Once again apologies for being away for so long, but I'll be back with some epic blogs soon - I have so much to share about Manchester International Festival, 24:7 Theatre Festival, Broken Rose and our first ever event at Contact Theatre, Manchester. Things are going really well.
I've also got a Ukulele, so that's fun! It's a Soprano, aiming to work my way up to a Concert Ukulele and eventually teach myself to play the guitar as well. Busy, busy, busy!
Anyways, I'll be back in a few days with some brightly coloured blogs with pics and vids for you. Until then, keep your eyes on the Broken Rose Website - www.brokenrose.eu, which we'll be launching again very soon.
Much love.
CC.
Showing posts with label Festivals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Festivals. Show all posts
Friday, 5 August 2011
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Flow!
"Flow!" The FIRST EVER Broken Rose Performing Arts event, with Manchester's Contact Theatre and Manchester Literature Festival - http://www.contactmcr.com/whats-on/987-mlf11-flow/ - it's just a teaser... more coming soon
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Miles to go - Little Miss Muffet counting down from Seven - Three - Oh...
I've had some very strange feelings about my career lately. Well, I'm not sure if strange is the right word, but they were certainly unexpected. Not so drastic, but so easy to pick up on when you've been so focused on wanting one thing and wanting it now for so long. It;s kinda hard to orientate yourself when you're being rewwarded with new opportunities left, right and centre, but are still getting things wrong at the same time.
Watching my old dance team, Street Vibe, perform in Warwick's yearly dance show, Pizzaz, last week was an interesting experience - feeling so proud of them on stage and beforehand being praised by them for being the only one to have alunched themselves into a career in the industry, straight out of university. And to watch Broken Rose beginning to chug along slowly, it should be suprising that California is at times seeming further and further away from me... But that feeling is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it's spuring me on, making me work even harder.
At MIF, it's obvious that although I'm doing extremely well, I still have a lot to learn, so I've been thinking lately that a course of some kind is perhaps in order.
On top of this, I have so many new ideas that I want to try out in the UK first. Here I'll make some ripples, then bring to California a tidal wave.
Come and see some evidence of the ripples I'm already making in Manchester - I'll be performing at the Greenroom at around 9pm on Saturday 5th March 2011, as part of Contact Theatre's Mixed Movement.
On top of that, check out my solo freestyle performance at the Open Mind Valentine's Special - now available as a playlist, below.
Much love.
CC.
Watching my old dance team, Street Vibe, perform in Warwick's yearly dance show, Pizzaz, last week was an interesting experience - feeling so proud of them on stage and beforehand being praised by them for being the only one to have alunched themselves into a career in the industry, straight out of university. And to watch Broken Rose beginning to chug along slowly, it should be suprising that California is at times seeming further and further away from me... But that feeling is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it's spuring me on, making me work even harder.
At MIF, it's obvious that although I'm doing extremely well, I still have a lot to learn, so I've been thinking lately that a course of some kind is perhaps in order.
On top of this, I have so many new ideas that I want to try out in the UK first. Here I'll make some ripples, then bring to California a tidal wave.
Come and see some evidence of the ripples I'm already making in Manchester - I'll be performing at the Greenroom at around 9pm on Saturday 5th March 2011, as part of Contact Theatre's Mixed Movement.
On top of that, check out my solo freestyle performance at the Open Mind Valentine's Special - now available as a playlist, below.
Much love.
CC.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
You're the Boss
Some old cogs are turning. Some new ones too. Alongside my fabulous position of Trainee Producer, dance and writing are returning to my life in a big way, and I'm so thankful that I'm able to do all three. I truly believe that I have some very special people in my life who should take some credit for this.
I've been extremely lucky to have had a couple of rather inspiring employers in my time, who've always done all that was and is possible to make sure that my dreams come true. In fact, one of my previous employers continues to get me involved in various different opportunities, for which I am eternally grateful.
However, despite how much they have helped me over the years, one lesson which they have never neglected to teach me, is that of self sufficiency in the arts world. If you have a dream in this industry, you need to learn to be your own boss. Fast. Don't let those who run auditions get under your skin, and don't give anything to agencies until they prove that work is waiting for you. Go out there and find your niche, find your own work, and work hard at it. There are many examples of industry professionals in Manchester who do just this. Unfortunately, their hard work and passion is not always recognised.
Luckily for me, I've worked with two arts organisations in the City now, and both of them put hard work and passion on a pedastal like no other employer. Such is the heart and soul of this city.
Much love.
CC.
I've been extremely lucky to have had a couple of rather inspiring employers in my time, who've always done all that was and is possible to make sure that my dreams come true. In fact, one of my previous employers continues to get me involved in various different opportunities, for which I am eternally grateful.
However, despite how much they have helped me over the years, one lesson which they have never neglected to teach me, is that of self sufficiency in the arts world. If you have a dream in this industry, you need to learn to be your own boss. Fast. Don't let those who run auditions get under your skin, and don't give anything to agencies until they prove that work is waiting for you. Go out there and find your niche, find your own work, and work hard at it. There are many examples of industry professionals in Manchester who do just this. Unfortunately, their hard work and passion is not always recognised.
Luckily for me, I've worked with two arts organisations in the City now, and both of them put hard work and passion on a pedastal like no other employer. Such is the heart and soul of this city.
Much love.
CC.
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
More than Arty-Farty
This isn't just an opportunity to learn about the arts.
Even as a permanent job, I can see how working at Manchester International Festival would be a constant learning experience. Over the past three weeks I've realised just how effective the arts can be as a pathway into learning about the rest of the world... And it's our job to make our audiences see that.
This week I've learnt about the fascinating and inspiring stories the people of Manchester have, through reading about MIF Creative's 2009 commission Procession, by Jeremy Deller. The book which was published after Deller's procession of Manchester groups through the city centre and after the exhibition which ran throughout the 2009 festival, outlines some eye-opening and heart-warming tales. One of these stories speaks of a Manchester family who hired a Jewish au pair before the second world war. Many years later, when the family found out that the young woman they had known and loved had been killed in the Holocaust, they did all they could to help the family she had left behind.
I've read a new report by the Association of British Orchestras which documents the impact of school music workshops on children and their creativity, and can lead to professional music careers in later life. The report is located here: http://abo.org.uk/user_files/ABO Publication Downloads/ABOUnlockingPotential.pdf (you'll have to copy and paste it into your browser as it's some kind of funny link with spaces in it, sorry guys!)
I've learnt that dance is now uniting with politics - the DanceVote2010 website has been launched to allow dancers to email their local MPs and invite them to events, with the long term aim of getting dance to be recognised and considered by MPs nationwide. (http://www.dancevote2010.com/)I've learn about philosophy, Plato in particular:
Leaders should appear to do very little and delegate ruthlessly; they should
listen, think and spend time dreaming about their organisations. Plato
considered contemplation to be the highest form of human activity, the aim of
life being to see life rightly, not to change the world. In our 'busy' age we
should constantly question what we are busy doing.
- Tony Heaton, Chief Executive, Shape Arts
I've learnt a lot more about science and religion too, but for various reasons I cannot yet reveal that information! All in due course bloggers, all in due course.
Much Love, loving it.
CC.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
"You already look like you're at home!"
Thats what one of the producers at work said to me the other day. It was my second day at the Manchester International Festival, and the comment made me feel all fuzzy inside. I really feel like I'm part of the team already, it's fantastic.
To those of you who are in the process of starting a new job or career, my advice is simply to go for it. Dive in head first. At the begining of the week, I was concentrating mainly on listening and taking notes, knowing that I had so much to learn, but at the same time I was worried that I should be saying more; firing ideas into the ether to prove myself as a producer. Well today I think I may have started doing just that. And it feels fantastic. My ideas were well received and discussed along with the ideas of the rest of my team. I feel really good about this job.
What's fantastic is the fact that, going out for a drink with my MIF girls tonight, I felt as if I was dying to talk more about work, just as much as I wanted to get to know them even better. And last night, meeting friends in the pub and thinking how my world will now literary revolve around the performing arts, travelling and going out with friends. That's exactly what I've always dreamed of.
I've got a feeling this is going to be an absolutely amazing 12 months! I've completely fallen in love with my new life already.
On a completely different note, I've been meaning to tell you guys for a while now about a choir that I saw during my first year of University - The Watoto Children's choir, which is made up of children who have lost their parents to war or disease. They are a stunning performance group, and you should definitely check them out.
Much Love.
CC.
http://www.watoto.com/the-choir
To those of you who are in the process of starting a new job or career, my advice is simply to go for it. Dive in head first. At the begining of the week, I was concentrating mainly on listening and taking notes, knowing that I had so much to learn, but at the same time I was worried that I should be saying more; firing ideas into the ether to prove myself as a producer. Well today I think I may have started doing just that. And it feels fantastic. My ideas were well received and discussed along with the ideas of the rest of my team. I feel really good about this job.
What's fantastic is the fact that, going out for a drink with my MIF girls tonight, I felt as if I was dying to talk more about work, just as much as I wanted to get to know them even better. And last night, meeting friends in the pub and thinking how my world will now literary revolve around the performing arts, travelling and going out with friends. That's exactly what I've always dreamed of.
I've got a feeling this is going to be an absolutely amazing 12 months! I've completely fallen in love with my new life already.
On a completely different note, I've been meaning to tell you guys for a while now about a choir that I saw during my first year of University - The Watoto Children's choir, which is made up of children who have lost their parents to war or disease. They are a stunning performance group, and you should definitely check them out.
Much Love.
CC.
http://www.watoto.com/the-choir
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Northern Quarter Love
I was wandering around in Manchester's Northern Quarter today, firstly getting my lip ring and stud replaced with much more comfortable jewellery. I go to a place called "Holier than Thou", which I reccommend to anyone interested in body modification in the Manchester area. Their set up is reassuringly hospital-like, and you walk into the procedure rooms knowing that you are in very safe hands. Their eclectic collection of body jewellery is like no other. The shop is a fantastic little find, in my opinion.
My cousin was with me, getting a microdermal implant, which looked like a rather painful procedure, but at the same time fascinating watching how they attach the jewellery to the skin.
After the pain, I took my cousin to the Cocoa Emporium in Afflecks palace - a stunning cake and chocolate shop and cafe, this is a relatively new addition to Manchester's landmark attraction, Afflecks palace. They sell the most exquisite vegan cupcakes - the kind that you are too scared to eat for fear of ruining them. But my god do they taste good!
The Northern Quarter seems such an appropriate location to showcase Manchester's eclectic notions of culture. It's vibrant scene is inspired by the new generations in Manchester, and it's long been the home of burgeoning arts companies. In fact, I know that my former employers at the 24:7 Theatre Festival are looking into finding a base in that area, because it is so perfect for such revolutionary activity.
Much love.
CC.
Holier than Thou - www.thirteentwelve.com/holier/
Cocoa Emporium - www.cocoaemporium.co.uk
24:7 Theatre Festival - www.247theatrefestival.co.uk
My cousin was with me, getting a microdermal implant, which looked like a rather painful procedure, but at the same time fascinating watching how they attach the jewellery to the skin.
After the pain, I took my cousin to the Cocoa Emporium in Afflecks palace - a stunning cake and chocolate shop and cafe, this is a relatively new addition to Manchester's landmark attraction, Afflecks palace. They sell the most exquisite vegan cupcakes - the kind that you are too scared to eat for fear of ruining them. But my god do they taste good!
The Northern Quarter seems such an appropriate location to showcase Manchester's eclectic notions of culture. It's vibrant scene is inspired by the new generations in Manchester, and it's long been the home of burgeoning arts companies. In fact, I know that my former employers at the 24:7 Theatre Festival are looking into finding a base in that area, because it is so perfect for such revolutionary activity.
Much love.
CC.
Holier than Thou - www.thirteentwelve.com/holier/
Cocoa Emporium - www.cocoaemporium.co.uk
24:7 Theatre Festival - www.247theatrefestival.co.uk
Sunday, 26 September 2010
"Manchester's got everything - except a beach"
The above quote comes from Ian Brown, and appears too have been the inspiration for a fantastic event which took place in Castlefield yesterday.
"Scruff of the Neck" are known for running music events around Manchester and Poynton, but this festival of theirs really stood out for me. The area next to the Manchester canal had been covered in sand and converted into a beach for the day, complete with deck chairs and buckets and spades. As some of Manchester's most talented musicians played on the stage at the edge of the venue, the afternoon saw children making sand castles and adults attempting the same, but using plastic pint glasses instead. Certainly a throwback to the summer festivals around the country, but it also had a huge Manchester feel to it - looking up from the sand and brightly coloured benches, you could see the northern trains and the Manchester metro switching back and forth above us. I wondered what the people on those trains could possibly thinking, seeing such a commotion going on below them...
The festival saw performances from "The Missing link, a young band whos hard riffs and impressive ballad "Now it's over" showcased their versitilty and "Silverclub" who offered an electronic alternative at this largely rock event.
I was glad to see a female guitaris in "The Tapestry", a rarity in this industry, which is something that I hope the likes of the "Jesse Rose Trip" can change. "Still City Sound's" lively riffs matched their rather lively guitarist, who managed to blow his own amp. Great to see them soldiering on regardless, the guitarist still getting into it, vigorously clapping to get the audience going. Great show guys!
Highlights of the festival included "Loaded Message" who's songs really lived up to the band's name. They teamed fantastic musical ability with great lyricisim; my personal favourite being "I'd rather be a dreamer than have now dreams". The effortless John Ainsworth filled his very short set with a celestical acoustic to sound. Absolutely stunning. Kudos also goes out "Green Vigo", a proper Manchester band. Fantastic music, which I can only describe as 'like Oasis, but happier!' Loved them!
The Quangos brought back memories of the Leeds Carling Weekend for me, being the first band to play in the dark. Definitely a festival feel. Their Noisettes cover was amazing. You can catch it in the vlog below.
Small festivals such as this are what makes Manchester such a great city. I just wish that more people would pay attention to them.
Much Love.
CC.
Disclaimer: Apologies, the band named "Bright Kicks" in the video, are in fact called "The Missing Link". Sorry guys! Confusing running order!
Above: John Ainsworth
Above: Loaded Message
Above: Green Vigo
Photos by Francesca Hughes of Original Fuse - www.originalfuse.co.uk
"Scruff of the Neck" are known for running music events around Manchester and Poynton, but this festival of theirs really stood out for me. The area next to the Manchester canal had been covered in sand and converted into a beach for the day, complete with deck chairs and buckets and spades. As some of Manchester's most talented musicians played on the stage at the edge of the venue, the afternoon saw children making sand castles and adults attempting the same, but using plastic pint glasses instead. Certainly a throwback to the summer festivals around the country, but it also had a huge Manchester feel to it - looking up from the sand and brightly coloured benches, you could see the northern trains and the Manchester metro switching back and forth above us. I wondered what the people on those trains could possibly thinking, seeing such a commotion going on below them...
The festival saw performances from "The Missing link, a young band whos hard riffs and impressive ballad "Now it's over" showcased their versitilty and "Silverclub" who offered an electronic alternative at this largely rock event.
I was glad to see a female guitaris in "The Tapestry", a rarity in this industry, which is something that I hope the likes of the "Jesse Rose Trip" can change. "Still City Sound's" lively riffs matched their rather lively guitarist, who managed to blow his own amp. Great to see them soldiering on regardless, the guitarist still getting into it, vigorously clapping to get the audience going. Great show guys!
Highlights of the festival included "Loaded Message" who's songs really lived up to the band's name. They teamed fantastic musical ability with great lyricisim; my personal favourite being "I'd rather be a dreamer than have now dreams". The effortless John Ainsworth filled his very short set with a celestical acoustic to sound. Absolutely stunning. Kudos also goes out "Green Vigo", a proper Manchester band. Fantastic music, which I can only describe as 'like Oasis, but happier!' Loved them!
The Quangos brought back memories of the Leeds Carling Weekend for me, being the first band to play in the dark. Definitely a festival feel. Their Noisettes cover was amazing. You can catch it in the vlog below.
Small festivals such as this are what makes Manchester such a great city. I just wish that more people would pay attention to them.
Much Love.
CC.
Disclaimer: Apologies, the band named "Bright Kicks" in the video, are in fact called "The Missing Link". Sorry guys! Confusing running order!
Above: John Ainsworth
Above: Loaded Message
Above: Green Vigo
Photos by Francesca Hughes of Original Fuse - www.originalfuse.co.uk
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Baby Steps... or a huge leap... hard to tell.
Good news bloggers! I got the job! I am officially the new Trainee Producer at Manchester International Festival! I start on the 5th October and I'm so excited! I'll be Assistant Producer on 5 or 6 different events for the 2011 festival (which runs 30th June - 17th July). I cannot wait to get going. I'll be assigned a mentor, who will hopefully help me find my way through the industry, and help me with where to go once my one year placement ends. I'm hoping she might be able to give me a few pointers with regards to Broken Rose aswell.
One step closer to California :)
Much Love
CC.
One step closer to California :)
Much Love
CC.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Want some, Have some
I've made a pact with myself to go to more music festivals now I have the time. My Festival cherry was popped in 2006 when I went to the Carling Weekend at Leeds. Since then, I've seen dozens of gigs, but not enough festivals. I love the buzz you get at festivals. Everything's happening in one place - it's a unique feeling.
Well, starting as I mean to go on, I'm off to Rock and Respite (Manchester's Sound Control) next Sunday. LOVING that Jesse Rose Trip are playing - that girl is gonna be HUGE very soon. And of course, one of my fave ska bands, Sonic Boom Six, will be rocking the set. Can't wait for that. I will report back on that fest, of course.
For all those YouTube fans out there - get yourself over to bubzbeauty 's channel. The world's 2nd biggest make-up guru, Bubbi made a name for herself on the internet and now has an entire business based on that foundation. She is a true inspiration. Her new clothing range comes out on the 10th October... and I got dibbs on this little cutie:
P.S. Blogging is for the early hours of the morning. I've decided.
Much Love.
CC.
Well, starting as I mean to go on, I'm off to Rock and Respite (Manchester's Sound Control) next Sunday. LOVING that Jesse Rose Trip are playing - that girl is gonna be HUGE very soon. And of course, one of my fave ska bands, Sonic Boom Six, will be rocking the set. Can't wait for that. I will report back on that fest, of course.
For all those YouTube fans out there - get yourself over to bubzbeauty 's channel. The world's 2nd biggest make-up guru, Bubbi made a name for herself on the internet and now has an entire business based on that foundation. She is a true inspiration. Her new clothing range comes out on the 10th October... and I got dibbs on this little cutie:
P.S. Blogging is for the early hours of the morning. I've decided.
Much Love.
CC.
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