What’s on in July’s issue of MAG...

Editor’s Musings Pg 1

The Gloucestershire Music ScenePg 2

Cheltenham MNDPg 2

Gemma @ BBC Intro Glos *2000trees Special* Pg 3

BBC Gloucestershire Introducing Pg 3

Ellen & the Escapades @ The Frog & FiddlePg 4

Not Advised @ The 2pigsPg4

MAG @ Festivals Pg 5

Scott Cole PhotogrpahyPg 6

Gig Listings Pg 7-8

MAG @ Comedy Pg 10

Playlist of the month *2000trees Special* Pg 11

Emily Johnson’s Local Music Pg 11

Featured Promoter *2000trees Special* Pg 12

Music According to Jen Duffy *2000trees Special* Pg 12

Keziah @ ByLocalPg 13

NEW Local producer of the month *2000trees Special* Pg 14

Hello!

Well wasn’t Wychwood awesome last month!

I hope lots of you got over to the Cheltenham Race-course and checked out some of the great acts playing, my highlight had to be Neville Staple on Saturday night.

Don’t worry if you missed out as we have another fantas-tic festival coming up in July, in the shape of 2000trees. You may have noticed we have another themed issue with lots more colour for you this month.

July’s issue is packed full of great features including reviews of Wychwood Festival, Ellen & the Escapades at the Frog & Fiddle and Not Advised at the 2pigs. We also have all our great usual columns from Emily John-son, Gemma Dunstan and Jenny Duffy, After a great first article Keziah from ByLocal has become our newest regular columnist with her take on 21st Century crafts and to add to this page we are adding a local producer of the month, this month sees us profile The Cotswold Brewing Company.

As always we love hearing from you whether it’s be-cause you want something added to the listings or you’d like to contribute to MAG or even just to say how much you enjoyed the issue. You can email me directly at: ascognamiglio@glos.ac.uk

I hope you enjoy July’s issue and will see some of you at 2000trees!

Amelia x

Editor’s Musings...

MAG Needs You!

We are always looking for news and reviews for MAG from lovely people like you! Being a non-profit initiative we don’t pay but can get you into gigs and publish your work. Please contact Amelia if you want to contribute any-thing to this fanzine: ascognamiglio@glos.ac.uk

The Gloucestershire Music Scene...

Wychwood Festival started the county’s festival sea-son with a bang and things only get better with July’s 2000trees Festival at Upcote Farm.

The festival has completely sold out and this is not sur-prising given the great lineup the guys at 2000trees have put together for you. With an entirely new stage added to the setup The Cave promises the best in British metal with Amplifier, Devil Sold His Soul, And So I Watch You From Afar. The mainstage delivers just as much with headline slots filled by Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, King Blues, Frightened Rabbits and Los Campesinos!

If you’ve missed out on tickets for this year’s festival though don’t worry the county has lots going on else-where.

Cheltenham sees another great Festival at The Town Hall with the Cheltenham Music Festival running until 11th June. The Hog’s Head has their second music night from Kaya on the 9th with local bands Swift Manouver, The Peppermint Hunting Lodge & Atakarma all for free! The Guildhall in Gloucester has something for everyone this month with the mighty Gallows playing on the 11th, Athlete on the 16th and Mostly Autumn on the 30th.

The rest of the county is busy as well Westonbirt con-tinues its concert season with Bryan Ferry on the 15th, Westlife on the 11th and Texas on the 17th. Stroud Sub Rooms has Gyspsy Fire play on the 9th while Dursley welcomes it’s own Festival in the form of The Nibley Music Festival.

As always full listings for everyhting musical going on in the county can be found in the middle of MAG. Don’t forget to check some of the other sites Gloucestershire has like So Glos and Likal to see what else is going on.

If you’d like your gig listed in MAG email us with all the information to ascognamiglio@glos.ac.uk

And now a brief word from Cheltenham’s MND...

June has flown by. I must admit that I saw nothing of the Main and Big Top stages at Wychwood and instead spent the entire time either doing my usual work with the student broadcast and FoH teams or sat in the BBC Introducing tent wondering at the marvellous slice of new music on of-fer. Black Canvas, Dub Mafia and my old favourites - Swift Manouver stuck out in particular.

The bonus of overseeing the students’ work at the Pomme Acoustic stage was a blessing, seeing great sets in particu-lar from Ellie Dussek, Joe Summers, The Me! Me! Me’s? and Angela Collins. Across the Pomme and BBC stages I would say it was one of the strongest showings of local mu-sic since last year’s Frogfest. Mainly because Dai puts on every band within a 20 mile radius of Gloucestershire... ; )

Onto the future and we have 2000trees this month, this particular magazine’s special topic I believe. If you didn’t get tickets for this year, just try and remember to buy them as soon as they’re released for next year. It is an extremely popular festival and (as anyone who has ever been will tell you) it’s well worth the bargain-bin price you pay for a ticket.

So for those of you reading this at Trees – grab a pint of lo-cal ale, grab a handful of local food and get watching some bands! Local, or national – I’m not going to lecture you on personal choice... For the rest of you? See you here next year or get a Frogfest ticket early to avoid more disappoint-ment in 2011!

A x

BBC Gloucestershire Introducing… is the show for your new music. Every Saturday from 5:30pm on BBC Radio Gloucestershire, you can hear the tastiest new cuts of unsigned music from across the county. We might have only been on-air since the beginning of October, but the response has been fantastic with shed loads of you uploading your tracks at bbc.co.uk/introducing – keep em comin’!

Catch Paul Moss and Gemma Dunstan presenting BBC Gloucestershire Introducing... every Saturday from 5:30pm to hear the tastiest cuts from the county’s up and coming artists. The 30 minute show also includes interviews with the people behind the music and a gig guide for who to see play live, and where.

BBC Radio Gloucestershire 104.7, 95, 95.8 FM, 1413 AM and on the BBC iPlayer

BBC Gloucestershire Introduicng presenter Gemma Dunstan...

Hello!

It has been a busy month for us here at BBC Introducing, we love hearing from you and for those of you who weren’t at Wychwood Festival, I’m afraid I’m going to need to tell how amazing it was this year!

Myself and Paul Moss were their to support the BBC Introducing acts from Glouces-tershire and all the other counties, and we were blown away with the fantastic amount of talented acts. Representing Gloucestershire on this ’home turf’ festival were Black Canvas, Swift Manouver and Pink Crudge Caravan, although I have to admit punk-pop one-man band Charlie Baxter was the hit of the weekend leaving the Sunday afternoon crowd on their feet in a rapturous applause, screaming for an encore! Wychwood once again will be the first festival on my calendar for next year.

This month sees 2000trees festival come to Upcote Farm in Withington near Chelten-ham, on the 14th, 15th & 16th of July. Headline acts include Frightened Rabbit, The

King Blues, Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip and Tellison. There is also a variety of local talent performing throughout the weekend including The Me Me Mes?!, The Echoes, Joe Summers and Midnight Mile to mention just a few. I’ll be hoping to report back from the festival with how our local performers got on.

If you are an unsigned musician, or in a band, you can upload your music to us and other BBC networks at:www.bbc.co.uk/music/introducing/uploader/

Listen to myself and Paul every Saturday at 5.30pm on BBC Radio Gloucestershire or catch us on BBC iplayer.

Not Advised, Too Far Fallen, Remember Paris, Jet Pack & TLi

21/05/2011Words: Cat PerryPicture: Not Advised

Cheltenham has never been known as Live Rock Capital but for one Saturday, the “2Pigs” was setting up stage for a couple of big names.

Starting off small but by no means quiet, accompanied by a mega phone, local punk band TLi took to the stage to an unfortunately miniscule audience but that did not stint their performance in any way. Jet Pack were on soon after, opening with the up beat track In Transmission.

Next on the line up were the five piece band all the way from Indiana, Remember Paris, but due to some personal reasons it ended up just being the guitar and vocalist doing a solo set instead. Despite this, it was no disappointment as Ronnie Ish still delivered.

As the small venue began to fill up nicely, Too Far Fallen took to the stage. Unfortunately, they didn’t do too much to get the audience going. With only a small crowd form-ing and hitting them with a less than average cover of Into Oblivion.

Not a moment too late, however, the first sign of Not Ad-vised appeared in the form of their banner. Moments later the band were welcomed onto the stage with the Alton Towers theme tune and instantly rocking into their open-ing track The A.R.K. Promptly, the whole room were at the front, obeying the bands cries of “everybody’s hands up”. They soon treated the fans to another new track but got back to the well known and loved pop punk anthems in no time. Right Now got even the kids who were stuck to the bar at the back all night making their way to the crowd.

After a set that can be described as little else than kick-ass, the Southampton fivesome closed with the ever loved The World’s Not Ready. With the whole room on their feet and almost every soul in the place singing their heart out, it was the same level of high energy one would expect from any Not Advised gig.

Ellen & The Esca-pades, Jim Lockey & TSS, Gareth Harper and The North Ship

16/06/2011Words: Dan Gutteridge

As I walked into the Frog & Fiddle, there was a different feel to the Barn. There were tables and chairs with candles carefully positioned and there were cakes up and down the bar, good cakes at that. It was a nice warm feeling which sometimes evades you at some gigs and although it’s nice to have the occasional cider down your front, it’s some-times nice to brake from the norm.

Gareth Harper started his set in the middle of the floor, which once I realised who he was, and not just a random guy playing guitar, was a good start to his set. His nerves showed through in his gentle chat in between songs, but that was good it accompanied his songs well and showed his charm. He rattled through a number of acoustic songs ranging from topics such as his best mate to babies steal-ing his thunder in wine bars (he doesn’t even like wine). Gareth Harper was a name I hadn’t heard before but I will be sure to check out again.

Jim Lockey was next up with his Solemn Sun, or at least two of them. The strong support for Jim showed as the room packed out. I’d seen him three times before and each time was different but equally as good. However this time didn’t really do it for me. It was like ordering you’re favourite from the Chinese but there’s a new chef who can’t quite make the lemon honey sauce as good as the last. Unlike Gareth they ran through the set barely stopping to talk, which is good when there’s elbows and cider flying round the place, but in this setting it would have been nice to stop for a second or two. The music was also lacking, but that was due to the absence of Chris Capewell’s guitar playing, or maybe it was just his general presence in the band that was missing.

The main event Ellen and the Escapades, ‘ A folk/rock quintet’ who’s upcoming festival dates not only feature local festival 2000trees, but also Bestival, Lounge on the Farm and the prestigious Park Stage at Glastonbury. So a lot was expected, but just like an England team before a World Cup, Tim Henman at Wimbledon and Jim Lockey before hand, they failed to deliver. It wasn’t bad music, and each member had a clear role and was very talented at it, but it was just all a bit samey. And in today’s climate when there are so many modern day folk artists and bands about there needs to be something that sets you apart from the crowd. They’re a good band but that’s all they are. A night that started so well and warm just fizzled out slightly, the setting was great the acts were good but overall just failed to deliver. Apart from Gareth Harper I could listen to his songs about date ruining toddlers all day.

Phillippa reviews last month’s Wychwood Festival...

Once again Wychwood 2011 didn’t disappoint. From the 50 something’s that never quite left the 70’s to the 5-year-old little girl who’s been to Wychwood 5 years running! This year had something for everyone.

Things started to kick off at 4pm on Friday, tents were up and yes, the sun was shining! It seemed like we were in for a weekend of shorts and shades. Manchester’s very own The Travelling Band warmed the audience with their soft melodies, a seated crowd seemed fitting in the afternoon sun.Later we saw Cornershop take to the stage with a great reception from the crowd, although they probably couldn’t see the audience from all the squinting, necessary to block the glare from the sun. After 20 years together, ‘Brimful of Asha’ never grows old. Headliners The Charlatans got off to a slow start later in the evening but as the crowd perked up, so did the music. They proved they haven’t lost it after all, and eventually hanging on every note, the crowd watched in awe as the boys gave us hit after hit.

As the clock struck 11pm and Friday was almost over, most resided to their tents for their first night of hard ground and stiff necks. Those who still had it in them (including me) made their way to the Big Top tent as it saw the return of festival favourite, the Headphone disco. The Tent had trans-formed into a mob of out of tune drunk people, screaming Sweet Child Of Mine from the top of their lungs. Dancing long into the night, with two channels to choose from, it was hard to be disappointed.

Morning campers! Saturday meant drizzle, but it didn’t matter because it also meant the revival of the 90’s. The Bluetones delivered a tight set, which kept the audience on their toes throughout, with classics such as Slight Return, this indie pop band from London brought a taste of Britpop to Wychwood. After playing the BBC Introducing stage last year, The Rov-ing Crows provided us with some Irish folk sounds not to be forgotten. The Big Top slowly filled, as these guys took to kindly asking their audience to get them a slot on the main stage next year. Cheeky! Saturday’s main stage brought us all the classic favorites from Neville Staple. As expected, an electric atmosphere made his set truly feel good, and fun! So much fun! Later in the evening, headliners The Waterboys, huge crowds gathered whilst we waited in anticipation for the only song we knew; ‘The Whole of the Moon’. The remain-ing crowd screamed every word, of every song.

Sunday brought rain. It wasn’t even real rain, it genuinely was ‘that fine rain, that soaks you through’. But none the less it didn’t stop the the people dancing, or should I say squelching! After pondering over wellies that morning, I did live to regret choosing fashion over dry feet. The only time it’s socially acceptable to wear wellies and sunglasses regardless of the lack of sun, and I neglect this opportunity?With their dashingly good looks, Hackney based singer songwriters, Ahab truly brought the house down with Sun-day’s performance on the Big Top stage. With their charm, and the catchiest melodies, is it any wonder these guys have been known for blocking the streets of London whilst busking? Definitely a band to watch out for!

After the success of 2010, the BBC once again teamed up with Wychwood to bring you The BBC Introducing stage. This doubled as the comedy tent after the kids had gone to bed. It’s fair to say that the BBC Introducing stage brought us more than just the nearest bar!

Across the weekend, we had bands such as Swift Manou-ver and Charlie Baxter grace our eardrums, there was so much young talent from the Introducing Stage. Once again Cheltenham’s very own Thrill Collins wowed the audience with their 80’s and 90’s covers not once, not twice, but three times. Each night I would force my way through the crowds, partly to watch the wonderfully crazy lady shifting some moves, but mainly so I could do the same (hangs head in shame). The 3 piece were a favourite amongst the festival goers and they engaged the audience night after night.

For the third year running, University of Gloucestershire students brought us the official festival radio station; Wych-wood 87.7FM. With live interviews with the likes of Panda’s and People and Way out West alongside a sprinkle of radio banter, the team once again didn’t fail to entertain. Keeping the campers happy during Friday’s queues into the festival, through to Monday’s journey home.

So many great bands performed on the Wychwood Festival stages this year, from the Main stage, to the Pomme stage I wish I could talk about them all. Each brought their own unique styles, a hell of a lot of passion, and a beer or two. Equaling another huge Wychwood Festival success!

Art isn’t just about paintings and sculptures, we’re going to be fea-turing some great art we think you should know about.This month’s feature is on Photographer Scott Cole ...

What got you into photography?I’d always been a keen motorsport fan so one day I snuck through a gap in the fence at Donington Park when they were launching the new Touring Cars to the press. Took some shots and submitted them to a newspaper. Next thing I know is they wanted me to write an article to accompany the pictures. Off the back of that article they offered me accreditation to shoot the whole season.

Have you got a favourite thing to photograph and why? I prefer to shoot people from a dis-tance, just documenting. Whether that be in the pitlane at a race or backstage with a band on tour. I like to hide away in a cor-

ner and shoot. For a photographer, I’ve discov-ered I’m way too shy, shooting from afar gives me a kind of comfort zone

How did living in Cheltenham influence your photography? Little does Cheltenham know or perhaps ap-preciate, it has a small core of very enthusi-astic people who are committed to providing good live music entertainment. I was fortunate enough to tour with a couple of local bands and I have them to thank for opening bigger doors for me in the music world.

Have you got any projects lined up for the future?I’m currently exhibiting until the end of July in Cardiff and shooting material for 2 forthcom-ing tattoo books. I continue to shoot for the “Peaceful Progress” family of creatives as well as providing model portfolios for the alt scene.

Check out more of Scott’s work on his Facebook page:www.facebook.com/scottcolephotography

Comedy in MAG is brought to you by the Cheltenham Comedy Festival.15th-19th November 2011

This month’s comedic interview comes from Monkey Poet ...

What can people expect from your act?Good question...poetry’s a bit s*** really, but I use a lot of stand up comedy elements in my act, so people can expect that kind of thing, people tend to hear poetry and think “awww bloody hell” I did a burlesque thingy once...it was like “next up we’re going to have Curvy Kate followed by Sexy Sarah...but before that some poems by Monkey Poet!”...it’s not as sexy but it is pretty funny...I’ve been compared to some of my favourite stand up influences and not a single one’s a poet!

Is that how the name ‘monkey poet’ came about then as a way to add an element of fun to the performance?Well the story goes (this is the one I always tell people) is that, we’re all monkeys but I like poetry!The real story is that I was performing in (insert Country name) and I only had a visitor’s visa, so I got around it by signing everything as Monkey Poet!That was a weird and funny tour, on my first night I got my first and only standing ovation because some guy got really offended and when he wasn’t refunded he picked up a dustbin filled with empty glass bottles and threw it at me...now I’m not gonna lie...I absolutely kekked it whilst running off to the side of stage, but the crowd wanted me back after this guy had been thrown out and they loved me for it, so it was all brilliant in the end!...I didn’t even think that was the most offensive bit yet!

When did you decide you wanted to be a comedic performer?I decided I wanted attention as soon as I stopped suck-

ing my mother’s nipple! But I guess I’ve been writing poems since about the age of 4, then when I was around 14/15 I wanted to be an actor, then about 5/6 years ago I started performing my poems and it all kind of built up around that! Its’ pretty comfortable, I like having that degree of control on what I do with myself.

What’s your Favourite Joke?Oh god, its bad but brilliant, no one gets it...what do you call 2 Irish lesbians in the 69 position...Gaelic

Best and worst things about being a comedic per-former?I’d say the best things are, freedom, you get to have a good winge... which makes winning entertaining! I like to have a good moan about the Universe in a, hey look at yourself in the mirror kind of way! Oh and hecklers are always good! I had this 72 year old lady in Edinbrugh put her hand up during a show, and I said “Yes my love, what is it? and she said, “I don’t agree with you saying that the BNP are c**** as they have neither the taste or depth!” and I swear to God I almost died laughing! I love audiences and that connection your have with them, even when they throw bottles at you...yeah it was bad but at least I was recognised! Got to look for the posi-tives...that sounds like some right old hippy s**** but its true!The worst things, umm...living on noodles for a while

I suppose, I would say there aren’t any bad points about what I’m doing I love it! Unless some f****r comes and shoots me, that’d be a bit of a downer!

What makes your laugh?Cruel irony! A while ago during the elections, the BNP com-pared themselves to Marmite saying “you either love us or hate us” and they used one of Marmite’s pictures! Marmite as you can imagine weren’t too happy with this so they took them to court and the beat the

BNP causing a massive long queue of other companies wanting to do the same for previous campaigns mean-ing the BNP would be completely destroyed...The Ironic part...I can’t think of anything more black than Marmite! Just goes to show the Universe has a sense of humour!

Complete this sentence “A Man walks into bar...”What a s*** limbo dancer!

Could you also put somewhere in the review that people should come and see me at the Cheltenham Comedy Festival in November and that I have an IQ of 180 and a 12 Inch cock!

This month’s playlist of the month comes from 2000trees mainstage act Chewing on Tin-foil...

SosI very much like a song called “I Don’t Wanna Go To The Party” by a band called Marvelous Darlings. It’s quite hard to expand on the song any further than it being really, really great rock and roll, and I really enjoy that. StuI saw Paul Simon last night and he played “Mother and Child Reunion”. It’s a beautifully written reg-gae song. I remember him mentioning how he went to Kingston, Jamaica just to record that one song because he wanted an authentic feel to it that he wouldn’t get in L.A. It makes me laugh when I think of us recording in a cottage in the Dublin mountains try-ing to achieve the same thing. WestyI like the song “Colors of the Wind” by Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, from ‘Pocahontas’. I chose this because it’s pretty much the only thing I listen to at the moment and because of the awesome half-time bit at the end. Also the lyrics are all, like, about life and the world and stuff … yeah.

AntoI chose “Saddr Weirdr” by Bomb The Music Industry. It was the first song of theirs that I got into when I saw them in Dublin. The lyrics are sad, the music is happy and that’s just lovely. Now we’re good buddies with them.

BenI chose “Sticks ‘n’ Stones” by Jamie T. Although the lyrics are obviously very personal to him, there is something in them that everyone can relate to. Just like in the song, we nearly got stuck in Hampton Wick on tour. I made sure I kept pointing that out.

Chewing on Tinfoil play the mainstage at 2000trees on Saturday evening.

Emily Johnson’s Local Music...

Loftbeat are a four piece from Chetenham and consist of :

Joe Richardson - Vocals/ Lead Guitar Torin Worthington - Rhythm Guitar Rory Moore - The Bass Guitar Pete Moore - Drums

I was lucky enough to catch these guys doing a instore on my last day of working at RISE in Chel-tenham and have a chat with the singer Joe, he described the band as “Post Punk Rock ‘n’ Roll” which by all accounts is a bit of a odd description, but certainly a good way to describe them.

They sound like several different bands at different points in different songs and I can’t quite put my finger on who they remind me of most. Needless to say that they must have a wide range of influences which they wear quite proudly on their sleeves, considering I saw an acoustic set the best way I can describe this band are by the similarities I picked up. They ranged from Oasis to Joe Strummer to Joy Division (even throwing in a cover of Transmission)

I’ve heard them de-scribed as “a sound similar to something you’ve heard before, but you can’t quite put your finger on where” which I find spot on. There is a nice comfortable feel to their music and it’s easy to listen to, if you get a chance then have a listen.

wwwww.myspace.com/loftbeat

Our featured promoter of the month is slightly different for this issue and instead features local record label and 2000trees veterans IStartedTheFire...

For anybody not aware of istf can you explain what it is and what you do?istf is an independent folk label based in Cheltenham, we release records by artists from around the UK that we adore. We have a tag line which is ‘nice folk for nice folk’ which we feel sums up the feeling of our label, we’re essentially a family of like-minded artists which support each other in every way and (we’d like to think) are releasing the best music in thecountry.

Apart from the obvious reasons (you live here) why did you choose to start up a record label in Cheltenham?Cheltenham is the perfect place to start up a label, it has a great music scene thats rich in a plethora of genres but most importantly a supportive community that enjoy going out to shows and supporting local businesses.

What bands have you currently got on your roster?We currently have singer songwriters Joe Summers and Ruth Bewsey, folk-punk band Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun, soul-folk duo Midnight Mile, Nuneaton based folk collective Boat to Row and istf supergroup Falcons.

What made you start up a record label?I was always interested in record labels when I first got into music and whilst I was at university I developed a great passion for giving smaller artists a leg up into the industry so it was an obvious progression to start my own company along with Rob when we finished our degrees.

What’s next for ISTF?We have a lot of stuff in the pipeline, Midnight Mile release their first full length record, JL&tSS’ second record with be out too, alongside Ruth Bewsey’s debut release. The bands are also hammering the festival circuit this summer at 2000 trees, Mosely Folk Festival, Beautiful Days etc. It’s going to be a busy summer but we’re very excited with where the label is leading.

Music According to Jen Duffy..

It’s that time of year where festivals are happening all over the UK and I’m lucky enough to have been involved with three amazing ones around the Gloucestershire area already. First the very prestigious Cheltenham Jazz Festival followed by one of the friendliest festivals I’ve ever been to, Wychwood and now it’s time for my favourite, 2000trees. I’m a fan of all genres of music, but seeing the line-up for this year’s 2000trees festival really made me excited to see what the site and people there would be like. I’ve been going to Reading/Leeds festivals since I was 12, and this line-up seemed ideal for someone who has the same taste music as me!

Having a few well known acts to headline the stages as you would expect, followed by some expertly chosen acts across the 4 stages, this is one festival where I’m going to

have to plan my time for working with Trees FM so I manage to catch a few of the many bands that I’m so ex-cited to see. Although the line-up is exceptional, I’m a bit worried as to how torn I’m going to be with the Cave stage and the Leaf Lounge stage as well!

If I had to pick two bands I’d want to see the most at 2000trees, the first would absolutely be Twin Atlantic. I’ve been such a huge fan of this band for about 2 years, and when I checked the 2000trees website to see if any-more bands had been announced, seeing their name on the main stage was not what I was expecting! They’re an incredible 4 piece from Scotland who are also playing this year’s Reading and Leeds festival. So make sure you go see them why they’re still playing festivals like 2000trees! The second band would be Your Demise. I’m still yet to see this band live, and I’m so excited that the first time I will, is at 2000trees. Check out their video for Life of Luxury and you’ll see why they’re a must see at this festival.

By Local’s Keziah on 21st Century Crafts...

Political Painting

Richard Woods paintings are dark and gritty, a combination of humour and horror. The paint-ings have layers of narrative and comment on

the current social issues that most of us think about - and probably moan about. The characters in Woods work are contorted, almost caricatures and sometimes grotesque and yet they are totally believable. There is something familiar about these figures, the scenes are chaotic and nightmarish but completely captivat-ing.

His latest exhibition entitled “Absurd Food For Thought” makes comment on the current economic climate. This collection is powerful, thought provoking and witty. Describing a range of social issues from unemployment, the cost of educa-tion to the notorious fat bankers. Asking the audience to think about the impact that the current state may have on the future of our country and its people. Woods work is bold, fresh and un-like anything else I have seen. If you see one exhibition in the next six months, make it this one!

“Absurd Food For Thought” 4th – 16th July at The Burlington Gallery, Cheltenham For more information about Richard Woods visit www.richardwoodsart.com

Beautiful, Ethical and handmade!

It’s fair to say I am a bit of a magpie. There’s nothing I like more than spoiling myself with a new piece of jewellery. My latest purchase a necklace by Beaucoco (a designer based in Stroud) ticks all the boxes. Bettina Bunce uses materials that are produced by craft groups in developing countries, providing much needed employment for some of the world’s poorest people.

The jewellery is beautifully composed using selected pieces of recycled glass and co-conut shell. The beads have worn texture, like sea glass. The use of natural materials means the work has an organic quality. It feels precious and yet is very wearable. Aaah but how much will this cost me? I hear you cry... well fear not, with prices ranging from £5 to £65 there really is something for everyone.

For me this collection is a brilliant example of contemporary jewellery; not only because of the aesthetic quali-ties of the work but also because of the makers commitment to ethical trading.

If you would like to see more of Beaucoco’s designs, visit www.beaucoco.co.uk The work will be on show in Gloucester Cathedral from 13th – 16th July as part of the Glorious Gloucestershire exhibition. The work is also available in the Made in Stroud shop.

Dates for your diary...

Cheltenham Open Air Art Exhibition, Imperial Gardens runs until 17th July

Richard Woods, The Moreton Gallery, Moreton–in –Marsh until 17th August

The Wearable Art Show, Painswick , 10th July 2011

15th -17th July, By Local, Cheltenham – 2nd Birthday celebrations! Keziah Kurg

The first of our brand new feature on local producers! July sees us profile The Cotswold Brewing Company...

How did The Cotswold Brewing Company come about?

Rick studied brewing and distilling at University in Edinburgh and has worked for a range of Brewers from large companies such as Courage through to a Pilgrim microbrewery in Reigate. When we married he gave up his job as head brewer at Archers in Swindon and studied for an MBA at Oxford Brookes University. Upon completing his degree we decided to set up our own Brewery near where we live in the Cotswolds. We decided to make lager rather than ale, which is what the other 500 plus microbrewers were doing as we wanted to be different! We started off just the 2 of us renting a Cotswold barn doing everything our selves. Nearly 6 years later we have bought our own 10 acre site and employ 8 staff. We now supply approx 200 customers in the Cotswolds, Thames Valley and London. It is our intention to stay regional because that way we can ensure the quality of our products because they won’t have been driven hundreds of miles getting warm or sat around in non temperature controlled environments. This is particularly impor-tant because we don’t use additives or preservatives and our beers aren’t pasteurised.

How many different products do you make?

We have 4 Lagers, a Wheat Beer and a Cider. All our lagers are made in accordance with the German purity laws which mean that they only contain 4 ingredients - malt, hops, water and yeast and are cold stored (lagered) forat least 4 weeks.

Where in the county can we find your products?

We supply free houses and independently owned hotels/bars/delis/farm shops in the county. Great pubs such as the King’s Head in Bledington, The Horse and Groom Upper Oddington, The Priory in Tetbury. See website for full details www.cotswoldbrewingcompany.co.uk

Will you be out and about at any festivals this year?

We have already been at Wood and Meadowlands Festivals and will be at 2000 Trees, Truck and hopefully Alex James’ Harvest as well as local beer festivals and events.

Have you got any exciting new products in the pipeline?

We are planning to trial a Gin and Vodka later this summer, which is rather exciting!

Want to contribute? We like listings, reviews, editorial, previews, pictures, art, cartoons and would like to fill these pages with things you care about. We‘d love to hear about anything to do with live music in the county really and

can help with anything from promoting you here to getting you reviewed, played on student and local radio, putting you in touch with venues, musicians and artists across the county and just about anything else you can think of!

Want to advertise? Put your gig posters in with the MAG for distribution? Ask what our favourite kind of ham is? You can contact Amelia – ascognamiglio@glos.ac.uk

MAG Editor Amelia Scognamiglio | Cover & Listing Design Dan Cooper | Listings Contributor Ollie West | Staff Writers Jenny Duffy, Jack Higgins, Emily Johnson, Dan Gutteridge, Keziah Kurg, Gemma Dunstan, Phillipa Wernum, Cat Perry | Thanks to all the people who contributed to issue six of MAG, special thanks (again) goes to Nicky Hughes @ The University of Gloucestershire for organising the funding and production of this work and to Andrew Lansley for continu-ing to support MAG and everything musical in Gloucestershire| All work remains property of the original owner, used with permission. Reproduction in whole or any part (especially the listings) of this fanzine would be awesome as it’s great to spread the word people, just make sure you credit the fanzine : )