Airport Music - Heathrow Airport has launched a live music stage. Based in Terminal 5, the first show featured performances from acoustic rock band China Bears, folk singer-songwriter The Halfway Kid and R'n'B artist Olivia Nelson.
Heathrow said those performing on the stage have "access to an audience bigger than Glastonbury", as it expects 30m passengers to travel through its terminals this summer. "The Heathrow Introducing stage isn't just about providing entertainment, it's about propelling careers to new heights," said Karoline Komolafe, of music events company Sofar Sounds, which has partnered with Heathrow. "It's a game-changer for those aiming to break into the industry, especially with festival season at its peak, offering exposure to execs travelling through.
Heathrow director of services Tonia Fielding said: "We're proud that we're providing people from around the globe the chance to experience the best of Britain's emerging musical talent and a taste of UK culture from the moment they reach the airport. We're gearing up for the busiest summer on record, meaning we can give artists on the Heathrow Introducing stage massive audiences to play to." Two more shows on the music stage will be held on 12 and 24 July.
Other News - Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist will return for a limited season at the Other Palace this autumn. Following a UK tour and five West-End performances last year, the new musical originally commissioned by Paul Taylor-Mills will run at the London venue from 13 September to 10 November. Directed by Bronagh Lagan, the show is choreographed by Christopher Tendai based on the original staging by Drew McOnie. Set and costume is by Sami Fendall, with lighting design by Joshie Harriette and casting by Will Burton.
Museum Pieces - Some of Taylor Swift's personal items are to go on display at London's Victoria and Albert Museum this month. Cowboy boots, dresses, music awards and storyboards will be included in the free exhibit, featuring as part of a temporary collection. Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail will offer visitors a chance to see costumes and archival material up close, with many items on display for the first time, the V&A said. The collection, which opens on 27 July and closes on 8 September, includes items loaned from Swift's archive which explore her childhood and recording legacy, the V&A said.
Welsh Gold - Sir Tom Jones will kick off a week of live performances at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod today. The six-day festival, which takes place every summer, runs until Sunday and is expected to draw in 50,000 fans to the Denbighshire town. Some big names have already performed at Llangollen in the days leading up to the eisteddfod, including Bryan Adams, Paloma Faith and the Manic Street Preachers. Sir Tom, who turned 84 last month, will make his first appearance at the event, which has been running for 77 years.
Footnote - Blue suede shoes worn by Elvis Presley have sold for £120,000 at auction. The singer wore the pair on and off stage during the 1950s, including during an appearance on the Steve Allen television show. They were sold by auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes. Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said: "Blue suede shoes, hound dog, these are things that you think of immediately when you talk about Elvis Presley, they almost transcend popular culture.”
(Jim Evans)
2 July 2024
