music

Open House - British Summer Time

In a city like London, one can get lost in the endless options of things to do. It’s almost unavoidable to become overwhelmed when deciding on plans. So, The Amazing Blog is here to help and put your mind at ease. Join us at the OPEN HOUSE in Hyde Park from Monday 9 July until Thursday 12 July. This four-day event is free to enter, and includes a free outdoor cinema, live music and activities!

With a wide variety of food, OPEN HOUSE’s street food market will satisfy all of your cravings, and importantly, will keep your spirits high with pop up bars, serving from 12 pm onwards. Each day, attendees can to partake in Birra Moretti’s “taste tour of Italy.” Additionally, Upswing, the aerial circus company, will have performances and workshops from 4pm-9pm. Every night has a themed movie with showings at 5:30 and 8:30 pm. You can expect free Wimbledon Championship screenings, from 12 pm onwards, without the hassle of a crowded bar. On Tuesday through Thursday, stop by the Royal Parks Showcase and hear daily talks, go to the plant sale or ask for advice.

Here’s a breakdown of each day.

Monday:

Starting on Monday, the event will kick off with family favourites: The Lego Movie (U) playing at 5:30 pm and Matilda (PG) at 8:30 pm. Live music will include Mister Kanish and Daytoner. Mister Kanish, a new artist on Open House’s line-up, began in 2008 and has since been mixing 90s style hip-hop, with folk and rock riffage. Afterwards, Daytoner will perform. Enjoy the sounds of baritone, sax, flute, keys, bass, drums and DJ.

Tuesday:

There is no reason that you cannot enjoy everything that OPEN HOUSE has to offer over the course of the four days. On Tuesday, welcome Freddie & the Freeloaders and London Gay Big Band. Freddie & the Freeloaders received national recognition for the live shows and inspired interpretations of golden era Soul and Motown. London Gay Big Band is a jazz orchestra of predominately LGBT musicians and vocalists. Chickenshed’s Tales is collaborating with Brit School’s Community Arts Practice and will have performances at 10:30 am, 11:45 pm and 12:45 pm. All shows last about an hour. At night, watch our personal favourites – Grease (PG) at 5:30 pm and The Greatest Showman (PG) at 8:30 pm.

Wednesday:

Can’t make it to Chickenshed’s performance on Tuesday? That’s OK! There will be three more performances at 10:30 am, 11:45 pm and 12:45 pm. Wednesday’s musical line-up invites back The London Gay Men’s Chorus, for the fourth year, and a new band to British Summer Time Hyde Park, Temple Funk Collective. Evening movie showings are Lion (PG) at 5:30 pm and The Grand Budapest Hotel (15) at 8:30 pm.

Thursday:

To wrap up the event, OPEN HOUSE is bringing back the 80s. If you’re a fan of classics, then Thursday night’s outdoor cinema is for you. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (PG) will show at 5:30 pm and Flash Gordon (PG) at 8:30. Dance the night away with House Gospel Choir and Old Dirty Brasstards.

We hope to see you there! Comment below what part of the event you’re looking forward to most.  

Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair

Something special is happening this weekend at The Old Finsbury Town Hall. An event that The Amazing Blog and every fashionista won’t miss no matter what. Whether you’re a vintage lover or simply curious we will be expecting you at the new edition of the Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair, this Sunday 25th October.

This unmissable carousel of colours and style has been nominated for a London Vintage Award for a reason. It offers 50 stalls displaying womenswear, accessories, textiles and menswear, where you can indulge your inner fashion addict! Step inside and forget about 2015 while browsing among unique and exclusive stylish creations from the Victorian Age to 1980s.

With only 2 months until Christmas, this is the perfect place to pick up an original and totally unique gift, and if you're worried about sizes/little flaws, head on down to the Yellow Room for all your altering needs.

If you’re thinking that it’s all about dresses and jewels, you’ll be surprised. Juggling between a pair of shoes and a bag that you absolutely have to have, you can rest your tired shopaholic-feet having your nails done at the Vintage Salon. Alternatively enjoy a traditional English Afternoon-Tea in the Tea Room des Artists accompanied by vintage-flavoured bands like The Polka Dots Dolls and The Marjory Belles.  

Jump in an old-fashion painting for one day and renew your closet with something that you only will own and nobody else. The event will start at 11am and will go on until 5pm; the price at the entrance is £4, students can enter for only £2.

Mike Mains and the Branches

Mike Mains and the Branches

I have never been a musically talented person, but I am a self proclaimed music appreciator. Since coming to London, I have been exposed to a lot of alternative and “underground” bands. Since my experience at the Troubadour, I have been doing some heavy YouTubing and have found an unsigned band, Mike Mains and the Branches. Their song, Stereo, has a catchy indie rock feel that I can’t get enough of! They are based out of Owosso, MI (USA) unfortunately, but you Brits can check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z4ruIbCYZ0]