13:03 Wednesday 31 May 2017

We have teamed up with the organisers of the Swanbourne Music Festival to give away 10 pairs of tickets to the August Bank Holiday weekend event where Toploader is headlining.

Can this be real or is it just a beautiful dream?

Its a warm Sunday night during the August Bank Holiday weekend. The 27th to be precise. Its 8:00pm.

READ MORE: Toploader to headline one of Bucks best days out at Swanbourne

Youve spent most of the day listening to great music, chilling out, chatting with mates, relaxing in the balmy atmosphere of The Swanbourne Music Festival being run by The Betsey Wynne Pub.

Youre a fan of Toploader whose reputation as a genuine crowd-pleasing live band is second to none. Perhaps you saw them supporting Paul Weller, Robbie Williams, Noel Gallagher, Tom Jones, Simple Minds or Bon Jovi? Perhaps you saw them at a host of great venues and events like Glastonbury, V-Festival, T In The Park, Wembley Stadium and Chris Evanss CarFest.

You probably also support most of the local live music venues, so you know many of the other dozen or so bands appearing. Youve eaten well. Youve tasted some amazing beers and wines. Youve sampled The Swanbourne Estate Gin and now youre just waiting for the Toploaders set to start...

What a great dream...

Now imagine if you hadnt paid a penny to come because you had won:

One of 10 pairs of tickets for the Betsey Wynnes Swanbourne Music Festival

But wait...

One of those 10 pairs had also been invited backstage to meet Toploader before their set and to present them with a bottle of Swanbourne Estate Gin courtesy of The Betsey Wynne!

Just a Dream...????????????????????

Make it a reality by emailing the correct answer to the question below to damien.lucas@jpress.co.uk by midnight July 31st 2017 and be sure to put BETSEY COMP in the subject header and include your full name, address and phone number.

Q) In Toploaders global hit song were they Dancing in the...

A) Sunlight

B) Natural light

C) Daylight

D) Moonlight

E) Bright lights

Find out more and how to book tickets here: http://www.swanbournemusicfestival.co.uk or on the Festivals dedicated Facebook Page.

Original post:

Win a dreamy day out with Toploader at Swanbourne Music Festival - Bucks Herald

VACAVILLE Music floated out from Andrews Park on Sunday, a peppy tune that drew people out to dance. More people sat in chairs they brought from home, some ate a little lunch and drank a margarita in the sun at the Fiesta Days Hispanic Day celebration.

Steve and Wendy Perry of Vacaville found a quiet spot beneath a tree to have some cotton candy and listen to the music.

Its such a nice day to get out, she said.

They didnt make it to the parade those days are over since their children are grown but they came out to have a relaxing day of food and music.

I like the mariachi band, Steve Perry said.

I was craving a corn dog, his wife said. The first thing I saw when we walked in was the corn dog booth.

Up the way from the couple were a group of college students from the University of California, Davis. Brandon Findling is working on his thesis and set up a small area with a couple of wooden couches, a coffee table on top of a rug and a bookshelf. Its a public space project.

Its a place for people to hang out and relax, he said. Its a way for people to meet each other.

The landscape architect major is graduating in a few weeks. This project is something he wants to incorporate into different communities after college. A space for people to feel like they are at home, take a book and read or meet new people.

People seem more comfortable when Im not here, Findling said.

He said he feels lucky that he is different than any other vendor at the Fiesta Days event.

Im helping people enjoy themselves, he said.

Fiesta Days will continue on Memorial Day with the carnival opening at 11 a.m., which will coincidewith a moment of silence for the veterans. Then the Mike Ward Band will play at 11:15 a.m., followed by the Charlie Wade Band, who play until 6:45 p.m.

Reach Susan Hiland at 427-6981 or [emailprotected]

See the rest here:

Fiesta Days celebrates with music - Fairfield Daily Republic

as the latest effort to progress vinyl music to todays technology-advanced audio world, the seed turntable delivers excellent quality output for not only analog sound but also for digital wireless streaming. the all-in-one, multi-functional system makes enjoying music relaxing, effortless and accessible for everyone, no matter what decades genre gets you dancing. enhancing a patented suspension design, 21-inch silk tweeter and 24-inch subwoofer, it produces a 70W high output in a smooth fashion, without the traditional crackles and pops associated with vinyls.

the music system is a stylish reinterpretation of traditional turntables all images and video courtesy of HYM seed audio

taking the system into the modern day, besides analog, the seed turntable by HYM seed audio delivers sound from WI-FI, bluetooth and internet streaming services, such as spotify. furthermore, it can also connect to devices via RCA, SPDIF and AUX cables, enabling many different mediums to play through the system. this results in a stylish design that combines the power of modern technology with the tactile music experience evoked by vinyls.

it enhances apatented suspension design that ensures smooth output from the vinyls

the seed turntable is currently seeking funding via the crowd-sourcing platform kickstarter. check out their campaign and the ways in which you can support ithere.

the all-in-one system connects to music devices via WI-FI, bluetooth and aux inputs

as well as great design, the seed turntable delivers great sound output

Save

See the article here:

all-in-one seed turntable pairs vinyl music with wireless streaming - Designboom

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The sky above Nottingham's luminarium may have been grey and boring - but inside the pop up attraction it was a different matter.

Bright colours and unusual patterns adorn the walls and ceiling of the art installation which opened at Nottingham Lakeside Arts in Highfields Park today. (May 29)

While children enjoyed the bouncy castle-type material in the luminarium, a walk-in sculpture which showcases "the wonder of light and colour", adults also revelled in the relaxing colours and music.

The exhibiton was created by Architects of Air, a Nottingham-based company who take their wondrous creations all over the world.

'Albesila' started being built in January, and was only completed earlier this month. It is entirely hand made and hand glued together, and consists of 27 "quadraxial eggs" ellipses and a grand dome with 288 stars.

Richard Bryant, of West Bridgford, visited the Luminarium with his eight-year-old son Reggie.

The youngster said: "It's really good. My favourite thing is the colours."

His father added: "This is the third or fourth time we've been now and we love it. It's a new one this year and it's very impressive. Reggie has found his way around it quite quickly but I keep getting lost! It's very tranquil though."

Sarah Atkinson, of Beeston, said: "I've come down with a couple of friends and our children. Mine is a little older now so I've been looking for a quiet spot to sit down. It's very relaxing.

"We've come for the last seven years and it's really nice. It's just the fact that there's a different chamber every year and as the children get older they enjoy it even more.

"It's something a bit different to do and it's made in Nottingham so it's good to support something so local."

Jon Gatt, exhibition manager, said: "We've been coming here for 10 years and as we are a Nottingham company we also get a great reaction from those who visit.

"The sculpture is hand-built and we start off building in 2D and then make it 3D, much like someone designing a dress would do. It works from the sunlight. So the natural light shines through the coloured patches created the light, while the opaque patches create the darkness.

"It's very photogenic and is great for families and children, which is why we always support this event at half term. But adults enjoy it too and many find it relaxing. They 'colour bathe' where they just lie on the floor and bask in the colours."

Alan Parkinson, founder and director of Architects of Air, and designer of the Albesila, added: "The public complete the creation of the luminarium by bringing themselves inside; by the way they inhabit the structure. It shouldn't be a solitary experience sharing the space, seeing how others move within it, how the light transforms them is intrinsic to the experience.

"I do what I do because when I go in the structures I experience the same thing now that I experienced 25 years ago when I built my first luminarium and that is the sense of being touched by the beauty of the phenomenon of light. It's a simple thing but I think a sense of wonder is a precious thing and worth sharing."

The luminarium is open until Sunday, from 11am until 5.15pm, except on Thursday, when an adult-only session is held from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Entry costs 4.

Go here to see the original:

World of colour at Nottingham Luminarium lights up gloomy Bank Holiday - Nottingham Post

Google is offering a four-month free subscription on its music streaming service Google Play Music for new subscribers, allowing users to scan up to 50,000 songs from their music library.

Typically, Google offers a 90-day free trial when a user signs up, but the offer has been extended by one month, the Verge reported on Sunday.

Users can listen to custom radio stations on their computer or mobile device using Google Play Music service.

However, users who use the free service face ads on their app, unlike those subscribers who pay around $10.

Such users can also listen to over 35 million songs, download music to listen offline, and get access to YouTube Red.

Though Google has offered similar deals in the past, it was not clear how long the deal would remain active.

Google Play Music All Access was launched in April this year in India. The Music-streaming service allows user to stream songs from Google library without any restrictions. It allows users to search for music based on preferences like language, favourite artists and music directors. Users can even watch videos in the app. Users can also access the playlists created by app based one user's personal music taste.

" ...Google Play Music uses machine learning to figure out what music you like and then mixes in signals like location, activity, and the weather along with hand-picked playlists to personalize music for wherever you are and whenever you want tunes. When you opt in, we'll deliver personalized music based on why you are listening - relaxing at home, powering through at work, exploring new cities, and everything in between. Your workout music is front and center as you walk into the gym, a sunset soundtrack appears just as the sky goes pink, and tunes for focusing turn up at the library," notes the company's official blog.

Also Read: Google Play Music is late in India, but it is cheaper than Apple Music and others

"Google Play Music lets you stream music using minimal data on mobile. No connection? No problem. When you subscribe, you can enjoy offline listening, and be prepped with an offline playlist based on what you've listened to recently, even if you forgot to download them ahead of time. Enjoy a discounted subscription offer of 89 INR per month if you sign up within the first 45 days.

With IANS inputs

For more news from India Today, follow us on Twitter @IndiaTodayTech and on Facebook at facebook.com/indiatodaytech For news and videos in Hindi, go to AajTak.in. . .

Originally posted here:

Google Play Music is now free for 4 months - India Today

Outdoor dining and drinks at Water's Edge Lighthouse Restaurant in Glenville.

Yes, the ocean is only four hours away. But this summer, why not get your water therapy close to home, on a lake or a river?

The Waters Edge Lighthouse Restaurant 2 Freemans Bridge Road, Glenville 370-5300, thewatersedgelighthouse.com, Facebook

Less than two miles from downtown Schenectady, Waters Edge is a popular urban oasis overlooking the Mohawk River. For the past 12 years, until Rivers Casino came to town, it was the areas only place for waterfront fine-dining.

From its spacious, two-level patio, diners can watch boats of all sizes travel the Mohawk. Theres also a courtesy dock for boaters who want to stop for dinner or cocktails.

People absolutely love our patio. Our patio won a national contest when we opened it. We have a tiki bar right on the water, we have a 9/11 memorial, says Pat Popolizio, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife Karen.

The entire indoor restaurant menu is available outdoors and the tiki bar has its own menu of selected items.

Dukes Chophouse Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady 579-8850, riverscasinoandresort.com, Facebook

Schenectadys three-month-old Rivers Casino & Resort is making its waterfront dining debut this spring.

Dukes Chophouse, a high-end steak restaurant, is already serving dinner al fresco on a patio thats only a few feet from the Mohawk River, and a summer menu will be rolling out soon. Right now, there are 24 seats where you can watch the sunset and more tables will be added as the summer heats up. On chilly nights, overhead heat lamps will warm up customers.

Rivers Casino & Resorts position on the Mohawk River makes for an unmatched outdoor dining experience, and with the arrival of warm weather, we know our guests will enjoy Dukes Chophouse in an entirely new way. Were looking forward to announcing new outdoor programming, promotions and summer menu items in the coming days, says General Manager Mary Cheeks.

On Thursday, (June 1) the casino will open another waterfront patio area, with live music, parties anddrink specials. On June 2, Druthers Brewing will launch Friday Night Flights, which will runs on Fridays through Aug. 18.

River's Edge in Amsterdam.

Rivers Edge Riverlink Park, Amsterdam 320-4868, Facebook

What could be more relaxing than dining in a park along the water?

Now in its third season, Rivers Edge, a waterfront restaurant on the north side of the mighty Mohawk, is open in Riverlink Park.

Its so quiet and peaceful, you really dont know youre in Amsterdam, New York, says Dan Nelli, the 36-year-old Amsterdam native who owns the family-friendly restaurant.

The restaurant has 120 seats on the deck, a 500-gallon koi fish pond and a courtesy dock for boaters.

Music lovers stop in after the free concerts in Riverlink Park.

You are about 50 feet from the band shell, Nelli says.

Parking is available at the RiverFront Center. Or park on the south side of the river and take a stroll on the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Pedestrian Bridge.

Also on the south side, at River Kayak Rentals, you can sign up for a guided 45-minute kayak tour.

Sport Island Pub in Northville.

Sport Island Pub & Restaurant 108 Riverside Boulevard, Northville 863-2003, sportislandpub.com, Facebook

The Great Sacandaga is the southern Adirondacks water sports playground with its powerboats, jet skis and sailboats.

Sport Island, at the northern end, is one of three lakeside restaurants run by the Lanzi family.

At the back of the restaurant, a big wooden deck with 25 umbrella-topped tables offers a stunning panorama of the lake and mountains.

Its a beautiful view. You get the lake breezes. Its kind of an overlooked region of the Adirondacks, says Anthony Lanzi, one of five brothers who co-own the restaurants.

On Sunday afternoons, theres live music on the deck, usually a duo or a guitarist. Theres a big beach right in front of the deck and courtesy docks for boaters.

Kids can play on the beach until the dinner arrives, says Lanzi.

Lake Local in Saratoga Springs.

Lake Local 550 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs 886-1373, lakelocalsaratoga.com, Facebook

Coming up on its third summer season, Lake Local is the fun-in-the-sun spot on the northern end of Saratoga Lake.

You are welcome to arrive by water, by kayak, canoe or boat. If you drive or walk, youll find this popular outdoor restaurant and bar on the eastern tip of Union Avenue, just before the 9P bridge.

People come for the view and atmosphere. Its mostly outdoor seating, says John Vallo, one of the managers. There are also Adirondack chairs on the lawn, where servers will bring you a drink.

A satellite of The Local Pub and Teahouse in the citys Beekman Street Arts District, Lake Locals menu is similar but with more seafood. A food truck also operates on the grounds from Thursday to Sunday.

Next door, at the 550 Board Shop, you can rent a SUP or kayak.

The Rusty Anchor 1 Selkie Drive, Watervliet 273-2920, therustyanchorbar.com, Facebook

At the Rusty Anchor, youre not just near the water, youre on the water.

This warm-weather restaurant sits atop a 200-foot-long barge and to come aboard, diners walk a gangway.

Across the river, theres a view of the Troy skyline.

At night, its really nice. They light up the bridges, says owner Kevin Shufelt.

There are 36 tables with umbrellas, a main outdoor bar and a tiki bar with a big blue swordfish mounted on the wall.

Rusty Anchor has a nautical theme and the menu has a seafood focus.

Live music and game nights of trivia and Family Feud are part of the fun on this party barge.

Theres dock space for boaters, too.

The Rusty Anchor is just past Hudson Shores Park, near the 23rd Street exit of the 787.

Up River Cafe 29 Main St., Lake Luzerne 696-3667, Facebook

The Hudson River runs wild in Lake Luzerne. This is where tourists and locals come to tube and raft the waves. Hadley Mountain, a popular hiking destination is nearby, too.

At Up River Caf, you can see the rushing water and hear its sound as you dine at one of 15 tables on the back porch of a charming Adirondack cottage. There are 10 more tables inside.

Its soothing, relaxing. Youre looking out over the river. The woods are all around you, says Andy Van Bourgondien, the chef who owns the restaurant with his artist wife, Betsy Brandt.

The former site of Papas Ice Cream Parlor, Up River specializes in desserts, such as cheesecake and crme brulee, created by Van Bourgondien, who was trained as a pastry chef and worked at Erlowest and Sagamore.

Outdoors, in front of the caf, visitors love to pose with a six-foot-tall statue of Elsie the cow, one of the original Borden mascots.

At Easter time, she wore a bonnet. This month, shes wearing a spring dress.

Shes all over the world with her picture, says Van Bourgondien.

And here are a few more places: Dinosaur BBQ, Troy; Espressohuis, Schuylerville; Riverfront Bar and Grill, Albany; Lanzis on the Lake, Mayfield; I Go Inn, Northville; Lakeside Tavern and Marina, Gloversville; Jumpin Jacks, Scotia; Harvest & Hearth, Saratoga Springs; Dock Browns Restaurant, Saratoga Springs; Villago, Ballston Lake; Tinneys Tavern, Middle Grove; Mariaville Lakeside Country Store, Mariaville.

The village of Lake George and Cooperstown, on Glimmerglass Lake, are also known for their waterside restaurants.

Did we forget your favorite place? Send us an email at features@dailygazette.net.

Read this article:

Down by the water: Eat, drink, relax on lake or river | The Daily Gazette - The Daily Gazette

Fans follow their favorite bands to Idaho's wild waters Charlotte Observer The couple had followed group all over the West - from Portland to Denver. They'd considered taking a rafting trip in the past and the band sealed their decision. "It was very, very fun and relaxing," Parker said. "The sheer joy of playing music ... and more »

See the article here:

Fans follow their favorite bands to Idaho's wild waters - Charlotte Observer

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Photo: Santiago Mejia, The Chronicle

From right: Cassandra Love Lambert touches up Jenny Malek's makeup at C-Love inside the spa area during BottleRock.

From right: Cassandra Love Lambert touches up Jenny Malek's makeup at C-Love inside the spa area during BottleRock.

Cassandra Love Lambert at her makeup booth C-Love inside the spa area during BottleRock.

Cassandra Love Lambert at her makeup booth C-Love inside the spa area during BottleRock.

The spa at BottleRock on Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Napa, Calif.

The spa at BottleRock on Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Napa, Calif.

From left: Massage therapists Bianca Pee and Aileen Graves attend to festival-goers during BottleRock on Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Napa, Calif.

From left: Massage therapists Bianca Pee and Aileen Graves attend to festival-goers during BottleRock on Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Napa, Calif.

Mackenzey Bard touches up the makeup of Copper Dallas, who travelled from Dallas, Texas for BottleRock on Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Napa, Calif.

Mackenzey Bard touches up the makeup of Copper Dallas, who travelled from Dallas, Texas for BottleRock on Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Napa, Calif.

Michelle Frank of Suisun gets her makeup done by cosmetologist Erika Myers during BottleRock on Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Napa, Calif.

Michelle Frank of Suisun gets her makeup done by cosmetologist Erika Myers during BottleRock on Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Napa, Calif.

BottleRock, now in its fifth year, debuted an onsite spa.

BottleRock, now in its fifth year, debuted an onsite spa.

BottleRock 2017 adds pop-up spa for all festivalgoers

Music festivals arent known for their relaxing properties, but then again, theyre not exactly known for high-end wine pours or celebrity cooking demonstrations, either. So perhaps its only fitting that BottleRock, now in its fifth year, debuted an onsite spa.

Youd think in a festival-type environment you might not be able to relax, said Lisa Michaelis, CEO of Live Love Spa, which produced the pop-up spa. But youd be wrong.

Available to all attendees, the Sutter Health Wellness Spa features not only your run-of-the-mill hairstylists, makeup artists and massage therapists, but also a vitamin IV drip to help with hangovers, a slime sensory experience, oxygen inhalation contraptions and aromatherapy. Festivalgoers can also get their hair braided, complete with flashing colored lights tucked into ponytails, and their face rhinestoned.

The spas ceiling is draped with hand-tied white silk, and at its center is a DJ playing house remixes of pop songs and a bubble bar, where guests can purchase sparkling wine (ranging from $9 for a glass of Menage a Trois Prosecco to $25 for 2008 Schramsberg J. Schram) or sparkling yerba mate ($4).

Sutter Health has given the spa a theme: the healing power of music, which Mac Tillman, Sutters vice president of brand marketing, says goes hand in hand with the organizations long-term vision of bringing together Eastern and Western medicine.

Treatments are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, though appointments can be made in advance. Some of the most popular treatments, such as Carneros Resort & Spas revitalizing legs and feet treatment ($40 for 30 minutes) are booked up 6 hours in advance as of Saturday, May 27, the second day of the festival.

This marks Live Love Spas second music festival spa pop-up its first was last year, at Kaaboo in San Diego County and Michaelis says it wont be its last.

For as much as youd pay for a burger and chips at the festival, you can get a spa treatment, Michaelis said.

Heres a sampling of the many ways BottleRock festivalgoers can treat themselves this year:

Rapid Recovery Hydration Solutions: Energy vitamin B12 injection ($25), and rejuvenating IV drips ($140-$200)

The Preserve Spa at the Napa Valley Marriott: Aromatherapy massages ($25), hair feather extensions or glitter and metallic tattoos ($10), nail treatment ($30), tech candy (accessories for your phone, $8-$35)

Intraceuticals with Meritage Resort & Spa: O2 boost (oxygen inhalation with collagen eye masks and mini massage; $25 for 20 minutes)

Foreo: Digital facial, with one of their vibrating contraptions (free), anti-aging and oral care digital treatments ($49-$199)

Carneros Resort & Spa: Revitalizing legs and feet treatment ($40 for 30 minutes), Comfort zone tranquility discovery kit: aromatic nourishing bath and body system ($39), Carneros lavender grape hyrosol ($16)

C-Love: Festival-themed hair and makeup treatment (think braids and glitter), $30-$50.

Esther Mobley is a Chronicle staff writer. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram:@esthermob

Keep up with the latest at BottleRock 2017 at http://www.sfchronicle.com/bottlerock

More here:

BottleRock 2017 adds pop-up spa for all festivalgoers - SFGate

This years Bury Festival has once again invited creative critics to review a number of performances.

Below are a selection of reviews of the National Youth Music Theatres performance of Honk! at the Theatre Royal on Sunday written by Year 5 pupils from Woolpit Primary Academy.

This brilliant performance had an exciting twist on Hans Christian Andersons The Ugly Duckling. I absolutely loved it because it made me like I was actually there and the songs were so pretty with a beautiful background. It was a brilliant story of a chick being born differently from the others and was teased for it but it turns out that he was actually a graceful, elegant swan and the bullies were sorry about what they had done to him. This incredible version of the Ugly Duckling has been recreated by Anthony Drewe with help from George Stiles on the stunning lyrics. The main character (Ugly, the duck/swan) was played by 14-year-old Mathew Sugden, Ida (mother duck) was played by Dominique McIntyre who is 15 years old, Drake (father duck) was played by Ben Wilson who is 15, and there are many more! I hugely enjoyed this play because it was so funny, it was interesting, it was exciting and I also loved it because everybody else did as well.

By Tom Davey

It was a musical based on the Ugly Duckling which has won a number of awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for best musical. The relaxing music was by George Stiles and the outstanding lyrics by Anthony Drewe. This perfect performance was directed by an obviously talented director called Jeromy James Taylor. Ugly (played by Matthew Sugden, age 14) is the last egg to hatch and is the most subtle out of all the ducklings. When the others come back after a swim, they see Ugly and start to bully him. Then the mum (Ida, played by Domonique McIntyre, age 15) defends her new born child, Ugly. The dad (Drake, played by Ben Wilson, age 15) insists that Ugly is not their child. I really liked the choreography and the music because the actors looked really relaxed and when they danced they just looked so graceful, like a delicate feather floating from the cobalt sky. I think that the moral of the story is dont judge a book by its cover. Rated, my score for the musical would be a fabulous 10 out of 10!

By Eve Yeldham

This amazing piece of work was all performed by children. The youngest actor chosen was eleven, the oldest seventeen, but they were so good, the actors were better than professionals! The music, by George Stiles, and the lyrics by Anthony Drewe, were made in 1993 and have won an Olivier award. These actors only rehearsed in nine days and, with no intervals, they played it amazingly well. One thing I would say is that there were no changes in the setting, so it seemed that when the Ugly Duckling got lost, he was in the same place! In this theatre production there was comedy, and there were some quite unhappy moments, like when he was rejected by his eight brothers and sisters. My highlight of this production is probably the four bull frogs, they were the funniest out of all the actors (and the slimiest)! The costumes of the actors were really quite good and what I liked about them is that they were quite smart, wearing suits and waistcoats. I encourage people from the age of seven to senior to watch this exemplary, high quality theatre production.

By Joel Casey

The musical was really funny and quite sad. I saw lots of inspirational dances and I heard some funny stuff, basically Honk is based on the ugly duck, so there were eight eggs but one was different from the rest. There were so many great singers and great dancers it blew my mind, it was outstanding. I loved it. My favourite part was when the father came back with the eight ducks and he was so surprised. The amazing music was conducted by George Stiles. They had nine days to rehearse, when I heard that I was shocked nine days! Anthony Drewe wrote the lyrics to the songs. The good part was how they made sound like they were in 1800s/1900s and the costumes were like in the 1800s/1900s which made it look cool and sound cool. The person who played Ugly was Mathew Sugden. Hes 14 years old and he was great playing the ugly duckling. I loved the show and, a score out of 10, I would say 10 out of 10.

By Bobby Burch

HONK! is a brilliant story based on the Ugly Duckling. The music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe. We follow the Ugly Duckling through a glorious adventure. Embarrassed by his looks he sets off with a fiendish feline. It was amazing that young actors took part with only nine days to rehearse and the oldest actor was 17. HONK! was amazing and it made the audience cheer after each song. The music and the sounds were great but sometimes the music drowned out the singing. For 40 years the National Youth Music Theatre has represented the very best in work with young people in musical theatre leading Andrew Lloyd Webber to describe it as the best youth music theatre in the world. Mostly I enjoyed the songs and the characters. It was a great play but maybe the cat could have cat ears.

By Sam Macaulay

See the rest here:

REVIEW: Honk! at the Theatre Royal, May 21 - Bury Free Press

YARDLEY BOROUGH >> Music on Main kicks off its third season of summer-long outdoor concerts on June 3 at Buttonwood Plaza (15 South Main Street next to Firehouse Cycles) in the heart of downtown Yardley.

Yardleys own Peter V. Blues Train will get things started with a lively Blues and R&B show on Saturday, June 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Led by singer/songwriter Peter V., the band features Alex DAgnese on drums, Sean Graverson on bass guitar and Aron Louis Gornish on keyboard. The band was formed in 2013 and released its first CD in 2015, self-titled the Peter V. Blues Train. They released their second CD, On Track, in 2016.

Concert goers can listen for a few minutes or take in the full two hours.

This years Music on Main series includes 10 scheduled performances on Saturdays throughout the summer, with three open dates in late July and August in case poor weather cancels a show. Music on Main 2017 will present a diverse array of acoustic and electrified music and vocals including Irish/Celtic, Dixieland Jazz, Zydeco, Blues, traditional Latin American, Caribbean, steel drum, and even a little Reggae and Polynesian drum and Hula dancing thrown in for good measure. Performers in 2017 represent are all professional or semi-professional musicians and all come from either Bucks County or the greater Philadelphia region.

Music on Main is made possible through the generous support of our major sponsor, the Yardley Business Association, and through a generous grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Additionally, homegrown Yardley businesses such as Bucks Ship & Print, Burritos Yardley, Cramers Bakery, Firehouse Cycles, The Pink Daisy, Vault Brewing Co., Pretty Bird Coffee, Vinces Pizza & Restaurant, Trattoria Rosa Bianca, and Pilates Bodies Fitness are contributing as key sponsors this season. Music on Main would also not be possible without ongoing partnerships with Yardley Borough, the Yardley Borough Police Department, and the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County.

Our downtown is an ideal setting for a high-quality, fun, and free to the public music program, noted Jef Buehler, head of the Yardley Business Enhancement Team (BET) and founder of Music on Main. Not only does Music on Main give residents, visitors and shoppers yet another great reason to come to Yardley to shop, dine, and drink locally, it provides a fun social experience in the Borough, exposes people of all ages and backgrounds to different types of live music, and fosters community in the heart of our town. Its a real win for Yardleys quality of life and our growing local economy. And yes, we will still have lots of sidewalk chalk for kids (of all ages) to use to create their own street art!

People coming to Music on Main can bring folding chairs, or picnic blankets if they want to ensure seating and are encouraged to stroll the downtown, pick up some food and beverages at one of the boroughs 14 restaurants, watering holes and eateries and make themselves at home for a relaxing summer evening.

In addition to the downtown series, Music on Main @ the Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 27 and June 10 at the Yardley Farmers Market in Buttonwood Park. Performances by Christopher Davis-Shannon (May 27) and Dave Boyd (June 10) will delight visitors to the market as they shop.

Music on Main Downtown, weather permitting, will be held on the following Saturdays in 2017 from 6-8 p.m. with any rain dates rescheduled to later in the summer:

Schedule

6/3: Peter V Blues Train

6/10: Eco Del Sur

6/17: James Day & the Fish Fry

6/24: Magdaliz & Her Latin Ensemble Crisol

7/1: Joe DiVita Steel Drum Duo

7/8: New Vintage Dixieland Band

7/15: RichieNavigator Band

7/22: The River Drivers

8/5: De Tierra Caliente

8/12: Hu La La Polynesian Arts

For more information and updates, check out Music on Mains Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/musiconmainyardley or visit experienceyardley.wixsite.com/musiconmain

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MUSIC ON MAIN: From Dixieland to Caribbean, free outdoor music series kicking off third season in downtown Yardley - Bucks Local News