Glasgow band are 'Belle' of the ball

Middle School Frown featuring Jimmy Magee have won “Best New Band in Glasgow 2011” in a competition launched by Glasgow City of Music and sponsored by UNESCO thanks to the help of their smartphones!

They won the award at the end of last month and fought of stiff competition to be selected by Chris Geddes of Belle and Sebastian.

The two members, Gerard Mitchell and John Kevin met while working together and while both had always enjoyed making music neither believed theywould win, let alone be endorsed by such a successful Scottish musician.

“Making music has also been a creative release for me, it’s always just been a hobby but I’ve always enjoyed it” says Gerard.

“You never think someone of his calibre is going to like your music and to be picked ahead of really stiffcompetition gives you such a confidence boost. It makes you think, ‘wow, may I could take this further’” he adds.

If not for a twist of fate the winning single “She Waits For Someone” would never have been made. Coming from two completely different styles of music, each had a mutual appreciation but had not considered that the two genres would be in any way compatible.

Gerard’s music has more of a folk vibe whereas John’s is more of a Brian Eno type ambience” yet thanks to an app called Mixtl the two were able to create a new genre which they jokingly refer to as “amboustic.”

As John says, “She Waits was kind of freaky, i composed the ambient track about a week after watching the film “The Lovely Bones” for the first time and we had both been talking about that film a few days after I brought the track into work for Gerry to hear it. He went home the same night and wrote the lyrics, guitar and vocals and came into work the next day with the new version recorded on his Iphone.”

This app allowed two entirely different styles of music to come together and while the vast majority of the other entries were was indie-pop influenced, this sound was altogether different.

“What’s amazing is that two old guys can make a song like this without even jamming. Everything was done on our phones, from the beat to the guitar to the vocal, it’s just amazing what you can do now” says Gerard.

John is also very complimentary about the standard of competition and feels they did well to win.
“As more bands entered the competition we would listen to their work and we both thought we had little chance of winning – most of the other bands, were gigging or already releasing CDs or EPs – whereas the two of us hadn’t even recorded our entry in the same building.”

The prize included recording time in a local studio and the guys hope to use this opportunity to get there music out to a new audience.

“We are going into a studio in early January to record She Waits For Someone and a few other songs which Gerry and I have been working on together, hopefully we can get a label to release them for
us” says John.

Check out the winning entry below!

Sir Alex honoured at Hall of Fame dinner

Sir Alex Ferguson was among a number of Scottish heroes honoured at the seventh annual Scottish Football Museum’s Hall of Fame Dinner which took place in a star-studded affair at Glasgow’s Hilton hotel on Sunday night.

Govan-born Ferguson, was joined by Billy McNeil, Walter Smith, and inductees Pat Crerand and former England captain Terry Butcher, making it a who’s-who of Scottish football.

The inductees were chosen by football fans all over the world for their contribution to Scottish football, and also included legendary Celtic goalkeeper Ronnie Simpson, and RS McColl who played for Newcastle and Rangers at the turn of the 20th century.

Richard McBrearty, curator of the museum, feels that having inaugurated the likes of Denis Law and Henrik Larsson in previous years, the event has grown in stature since it began in 2004.

“It has become one of the major after-dinner events in Scottish Football,” he said.

During the night-long proceedings, Ferguson received tributes throughout the night for his 50 years in the game and 25 years as Manchester United boss.

He was quick to praise Celtic and Manchester United star Pat Crerand, saying he held his own during a great time in Scottish football.

“He deserves it, we had some great players in the country when Paddy played,” Ferguson said. “With Law and Baxter, that group of players was fantastic and he was part of that.”

The former East Stirlingshire, St Mirren, and Aberdeen boss also joked about Crerand’s role at MUTV saying “he is the most biased commentator ever, we never do a thing wrong.”

Pat Creran and Sir Alex share a joke (The Scotsman)

Paddy Crerand was equally as complimentary about the eight-time Premier League Manager of the Year.

 “Records speak for themselves, his record is better than Sir Matt Busby, it’s incredible. He’s the best,” he said.

Iconic hard-man Terry Butcher was also delighted at being the first Englishman to be industed saying: “I felt very humbled and proud to receive my award, with so many fantastic people in front of me," he said.

Sir Alex also paid tribute to the job Craig Levein is doing as Scotland manager, despite continued criticism for often negative tactics.

“I think they have a group of very good midfield players–that’s their strength, they played very good football the other night,” he said.

The legendary manager also feels that Scotland’s current dearth of talent can be changed.

“It is possible, if you put the energy into it and the facilities. If that’s improved and money is invested then you’ve every possibility.”

There was the obligatory awkward moment when a misguided journalist asked him if he had any plans to “give back” to Scottish football in the future.

To which the terse reply was “I give my support. That’s all.”

Park and ride facility to open at National Stadium

A large park and ride facility will be built beside the National Stadium in hopes of easing traffic congestion.

It will be situated on Aitkenhead Road and hold almost 600 parking spaces.

The initiative is part of the “Keep Glasgow Moving” strategy introduced by Glasgow City Council, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and First Bus.

Paul Coleshill, local councillor for Langside, thinks it will bring great relief to an overcrowded area.

 “The Langside ward is one of the most densely populated wards in Glasgow, combined with the queues of cars waiting to join the new M74, this facility will help get traffic moving here” he said.

The space will feature a bus interchange and it is hoped this will encourage drivers to leave their cars and finish their journey into town by bus.

John Flanagan, Govan councillor, was convener of the Planning Applications Committee which approved the proposal and he too is optimistic.

“The traffic situation along Aitkenhead Rd is terrible at the moment, the park and ride area can only help and hopefully get people out of their cars and on to public transport” he said.

The area will also be used as an over flow car park for events at the National Stadium.

Brian Muir, Safety and Operations Manager at the stadium, is keen to stress that this will be a council resource which will only be used by the stadium for large events.

“The facility will have more spaces, a more attractive layout and with the bus interchange, it should reduce strain on the inadequate parking facilities we have at present” he added.

It is expected to be operational by July 2012 when Hampden will host six Olympic football games and will be a key factor in helping to alleviate pressure for the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Zombie Nation

A decomposing Colonel Gaddafi lurches along a main road accompanied by a rabble of other creatures from beyond the grave.

Halloween in Shawlands does tend to be a colourful affair but there were even more eyebrows raised than usual when the Southside Film Festival came to town.

Festival founder and director, Karen O’Hare, has embarked upon a run of special Halloween events to publicise next years’ event which will take place on the weekend of May 18.

Along with a sell-out screening of The Cabinet of Dr Caligari in Pollokshaws Burgh Hall with live Wurlitzer organ accompaniment, Karen organised a showing of cult classic Night of the Living Dead on the eve of Halloween in south side nightclub The Shed.

She is keen not only to bring films to a more local venue for southsiders but also to provide a more sociable experience that “engages” people from all across the city.  In keeping with this, cinema-goers were encouraged to take part in a “zombie walk” before the film began on Sunday.

Prizes were given to the aforementioned “Zombie Gaddafi” and his rather gruesome one-armed companion for their imagination and dedication to character during the walk.

One zombie, Flora Munroe 27, had been to the festival in May and felt the audience participation was a real draw.

“I thought it would be great to dress up as a Zombie and I also really wanted to watch the film, it’s been a fantastic night” she said.

The event is a labour of love for Karen and mainly self-funded.  Her passion is in bringing local and unusual films to a south side audience: “It’s also normally quite hard to distribute local films or Scottish films in general so the festival is a way of getting those movies out there.”

“It’s fun more than anything else and a great way to see films you wouldn’t normally see” she added.

There are also plans to have screenings on the run up to Christmas, most likely these will be two favourites of Karen’s: A Muppet Christmas Carol and the classic 1951 version of A Christmas Carol featuring Alistair Sim as Scrooge.

Submissions are still being taken for next year and films will be accepted for free before January 16.

For more information check out http://southsidefilmfest.blogspot.com/

Bottom's Up!

The finale of Gram Cummings’ show “Bottom's Up” on Saturday ensured this aspiring musical sensation finished his Glasgay festival with a bang.

Backed by his wonderful “Gastric Band” and backing singers “The Lilets” (ahem…) he describes the show as “rude, honest and brutal” and that it is.

When “Gram with a G” burst out of his closet and on to the stage this audience knew they were in for a treat. With legs to die for and long silky locks, the Aberdonian laid himself bare (quite literally at points) with his “fusion of Musical Theatre/Camp Classics and personal story telling.”

His fabulous singing voice and sparkling wit were a pleasure to behold, from Shania Twain’s “Man, I feel like a woman” to Whitney Houston’s classic “I will always love you”, this guy can fairly belt them out.

Most exceptional however was Gram’s original material, the fact it is generally un-publishable merely means you’ll have to catch him in person next time. This reviewer’s personal favourite was his modified version of “Tragedy” to reflect a typical night in a gay bar. The immortal line “Gonna dance all night then start a fight” would surely have the Bee Gees stewing in their juices and showed the delightful juxtaposition of a gay man living in Glasgow.

As the night drew to a close we saw a more sensitive side as he emotionally talked us through his struggle with his identity and quest for love. The bravado was gone and many a tear was shed by the audience which included his mother and her irrepressible best friend Margaret.

It was here we saw Gram’s “true colours” and how vibrant and dazzling they really are.

Watch out for this one, his mum says he’s the next Michael Ball and I’m sure he’d have a field day with that analogy...

Check out more on

http://www.glasgay.co.uk/blog-entry/id/41

http://www.merchantcityglasgow.com/blog-entry/id/79

We didn't start the fire...

People will be hot-footing it over a fiery bed of coals at Hampden Stadium this weekend - and it’s all for charity.

The Stroke Association Scotland have organised for around 25 people to take part in a firewalking event hoped to raise over £2000 for their cause.

The experience will take place on Sunday November 6^th in celebration of Guy Fawkes.

Karen Hodgins, the charity’s fundraising manager, says that this occasion will be made entertaining for those involved.

“They will enjoy a ‘behind the scenes’ experience and will have the opportunity to do something completely out of the ordinary.”

She added: “We chose Hampden because it’s an iconic location and we thought that it added something special to the event for participants.”

Louise MacQueen, events coordinator at Hampden, also feels the stadium makes an ideal location: “Not many places have the outdoor space and health and safety experience to host such an event.”

She added that the stadium is delighted to help such a worthwhile cause: “We are happy to take on any charity events but we are particularly pleased to help such a fantastic charity as the Stroke Association.”

The night will begin at 6pm with an hours training, a necessity when the coals can reach up to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fear not however, the participants will be in the safe hands of Guinness World Record holder for the longest ever firewalk, Scott Bell.

Mr Bell has a long-standing relationship with the charity and says it is a wonderful experience for anyone to take part in.

“The main thing that comes through is just how excited people are: usually on their first attempt the adrenalin means they don’t even feel the heat below them”, he said.

The Stroke Association is the only UK charity solely concerned with helping everyone affected by stroke across the UK:  victims, carers and families.