Latest news with #OpenMic
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘The betrayal is painful': Simphiwe Dana on people stealing from her
The singer recently celebrated 20 years since the release of her debut album. Singer and songwriter Simphiwe Dana has opened up about the betrayal she has suffered over the past few years. Taking to Instagram, Dana shared a cryptic message saying that people have stolen from her in the past five years. 'I'm actually getting madder by the moment. I know I bring genius things. For the past five years, I've been stolen from. And my people have been a part of it. I'm tired. The betrayal is painful,' she wrote. Dana hinted last month, while celebrating 20 years since the release of her debut album Zandisile, that she was navigating a turbulent time in her life. 'The celebration of Simphiwe Dana's 20-year career comes at the tail-end of a tumultuous era in my life, but it's still a nice thing to point at as something to celebrate. Fulfilment is not the right word, but it's the best word I can think of right now. I feel this really grounded sense of accomplishment,' she said in a press statement. ALSO READ: 'I'll keep on fighting through this pain' – Nomcebo Zikode after losing case against Open Mic Simphiwe Dana celebrates debut album Dana commemorated the milestone with two special performances at the Playhouse Theatre in Durban and the Baxter Theatre Concert Hall in Cape Town. Reflecting on her early career, the Ndiredi hitmaker said she always felt she brought something unique to the industry. 'I knew I looked different, I sounded different, and the songs I wanted to sing were different. 'I thought I was telling people, 'Make way, something different is coming,' but in hindsight, I was telling all of our stories about what it means to affirm yourself — because the world will always tell you that you're supposed to be something else,' she added. NOW READ: WATCH: 'He has kept all his promises': Inside Somkhanda Gumbi's wedding to third wife
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Sparky took over Rhyl bargain store and has created something very special
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The seaside town of Rhyl has its challenges and many critics but there are also green shoots of recovery to show things are changing for the better. There's no surer sign of this than on the corner of Wellington Road and Windsor Street. It was Bargain Corner - a fairly typical budget catalogue store people would find in any town facing struggles and where average incomes are low. But in 2023 it was taken on by music loving electrician Gary Longworth. He has spent £250,000 refurbishing it into the venue of his dreams with a bespoke PA system - creating Deutch's Bar, the first custom-built dedicated venue in Rhyl for live music and creative arts. Gary, originally from Ashton-under- Lyne, Manchester, but now resident in Rhyl, said: "I first came to Rhyl as a child and had very happy memories of the town. So when I was looking for a venue I thought 'This is the place'. "I wanted to bring something different to Rhyl: a space to encourage creative people in all areas — not just singers and musicians but artists, writers and poets, of all age groups - to meet, and collaborate." It's early days for Deutch's but already the Open Mic nights are busy with performers of all ages and musical styles. The live music gigs and jam sessions are equally popular as are the karaoke nights. Gary, a keen musician, often gets up on stage and joins in, while encouraging and advising those who are just starting out making music. Professional musicians are on every Saturday and there are one-off events planned including a Bistro reunion night on Saturday August 16, which will recreate the sounds of the much-missed West Parade nightclub. "These premises needed a total refurbishment to transform it into what it is today," Gary said. "It took 18 months of hard work to turn it into a top grade music venue. "I chose the location for its long narrow shape and high ceilings. It's great for acoustics while playing music. The gallery shape is also perfect for displaying my late dad's artwork - he was a keen amateur painter." The story behind the bar's unusual name is an interesting one. "Dad's nickname was 'Deutch' as he worked as a plasterer in Germany (Deutschland) for a while. He also loved art and when he passed away he left a lot of his own artwork behind," said Gary. "This whole project started with me wanting to do something with dad's paintings and memorabilia. Which is why I named the bar after him." His father John Longworth's paintings cover the walls and the display includes a letter from Yoko Ono thanking him for a portrait he did of John Lennon after his death. Gary proudly displays them both in the bar, along with many more of his father's artworks. "I hope I've done dad proud,' he added "I couldn't bear to see his pictures rotting away. It's amazing to think that, after wondering what to do with them all those years ago, they are now here on display in Rhyl where everyone can enjoy them - and of course, the music too." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Sparky took over Rhyl bargain store and has created something very special
The seaside town of Rhyl has its challenges and many critics but there are also green shoots of recovery to show things are changing for the better. There's no surer sign of this than on the corner of Wellington Road and Windsor Street. It was Bargain Corner - a fairly typical budget catalogue store people would find in any town facing struggles and where average incomes are low. But in 2023 it was taken on by music loving electrician Gary Longworth. He has spent £250,000 refurbishing it into the venue of his dreams with a bespoke PA system - creating Deutch's Bar, the first custom-built dedicated venue in Rhyl for live music and creative arts. Gary, originally from Ashton-under- Lyne, Manchester, but now resident in Rhyl, said: "I first came to Rhyl as a child and had very happy memories of the town. So when I was looking for a venue I thought 'This is the place'. "I wanted to bring something different to Rhyl: a space to encourage creative people in all areas — not just singers and musicians but artists, writers and poets, of all age groups - to meet, and collaborate." It's early days for Deutch's but already the Open Mic nights are busy with performers of all ages and musical styles. The live music gigs and jam sessions are equally popular as are the karaoke nights. Gary, a keen musician, often gets up on stage and joins in, while encouraging and advising those who are just starting out making music. Professional musicians are on every Saturday and there are one-off events planned including a Bistro reunion night on Saturday August 16, which will recreate the sounds of the much-missed West Parade nightclub. "These premises needed a total refurbishment to transform it into what it is today," Gary said. "It took 18 months of hard work to turn it into a top grade music venue. "I chose the location for its long narrow shape and high ceilings. It's great for acoustics while playing music. The gallery shape is also perfect for displaying my late dad's artwork - he was a keen amateur painter." The story behind the bar's unusual name is an interesting one. "Dad's nickname was 'Deutch' as he worked as a plasterer in Germany (Deutschland) for a while. He also loved art and when he passed away he left a lot of his own artwork behind," said Gary. "This whole project started with me wanting to do something with dad's paintings and memorabilia. Which is why I named the bar after him." His father John Longworth's paintings cover the walls and the display includes a letter from Yoko Ono thanking him for a portrait he did of John Lennon after his death. Gary proudly displays them both in the bar, along with many more of his father's artworks. "I hope I've done dad proud,' he added "I couldn't bear to see his pictures rotting away. It's amazing to think that, after wondering what to do with them all those years ago, they are now here on display in Rhyl where everyone can enjoy them - and of course, the music too."
West Australian
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
What's On: Your guide to events around Albany and the Great Southern, June 26-July 2
From expert talks to live music, here's your guide to the week ahead in the Great Southern. THURSDAY Movies at the Library: To Catch A Thief , Albany Public Library, 1.30pm Open Mic Night , Wilson's Brewery Bar, 5pm FRIDAY Biggest Morning Tea for Cancer Council , Lotteries House, 10.30am Cavort at the Port , Albany Port Theatre, 7.30pm Surf Shop Cops Weird Energy Tour , Six Degrees, 8.30pm SATURDAY Peter Stafford: Generations Collection Talk , Albany Town Hall, 10.30am The Quiet Space with Sebastian Harris , Wesley Church, 2pm City of Albany Band: Brilliant Brass for Kids , Beryl Grant Community Centre, 5pm 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel And The Nurses Of The Vyner Brooke , Albany Entertainment Centre, 5pm Quiz Night at the Elleker Tavern , Ellker General Store and Tavern, 5.30pm Southern Edge Arts Showcase , Southern Edge Arts, 5.30pm SUNDAY Pottery and Prosecco Workshop , 146 Peels Place, 10am Living Room Conversation with Jon Doust , Museum of the Great Southern, 2pm Julia Anwar , Wilson's Brewery Bar, 5pm MONDAY Sit and Sew Social Day , The Empty Bobbin, 9am TUESDAY Tuesday Curatorial: The Outlawing Of Cultural Burning On Menang Boodja , Museum of the Great Southern, 10.30am WEDNESDAY Big Blue View Exhibition Open , Albany's Historic Whaling Station, 9am Ratburger Show from David Walliams , Albany Entertainment Centre, 12pm Skywhales: Every Heart Sings Documentary Screening , Albany Town Hall, 4pm Planning something? Let us know! Send details of your event to greatsouthern@
West Australian
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
What's On: Your guide to events around Albany and the Great Southern, May 29 to June 4
From art exhibitions to comedy nights, here's your guide to the week ahead in the Great Southern. THURSDAY Reconciliation Playgroup , Child and Parent Centre, 10am John Toohey: Terra , Albany Town Hall, 10am Albany-Kinjarling Creative Writers Group , Albany Public Library, 11am Open Mic Night , Wilson's Brewery, 5pm Josephine Wants to Dance , Albany Entertainment Centre, 6pm FRIDAY Albany Knitting and Crochet group, The Empty Bobbin, 9am Friday Night Gaming, Albany Public Library, 5pm Hype Engine Presents: RINSE — Drum and Bass ft. RGGX , Eve Late Night Bar, 9pm SATURDAY Weekend of Speed Wind Farm and Pendeen Sprint, Great Southern Street Machines Association Clubroom, 7am Trail Horse Challenge Competition , Albany Equestrian Centre, 9.30am Explore the Art of Crochet with Guest Artist Grytsje Doust , Old Elleker Studio, 10am Albany Convict Gaol Night Tour , Albany Convict Gaol, 6pm Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow , Albany Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm Hype Engine Presents: CONTRL — Tech House ft. KATHARSIS , Eve Late Night Bar, 10pm SUNDAY Camtrans 2025 Albany Classic Around The Houses , Albany CBD, 9am PJ Craft Day , The Empty Bobbin, 11.30am Great Southern Stomp , Wild West Bowling, 4pm Roller Derby , Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre, 5pm MONDAY Monday Monsters Monthly Craft Meet Up, The Empty Bobbin, 9am WA Day Festival, Museum of the Great Southern, 10am Rob V Live , Wilson's Brewery, 12pm TUESDAY Tuesday Curatorial: Ecoagriculture for a sustainable future, Museum of the Great Southern, 10.30am Loop by Loop , Albany Public Library, 2pm WEDNESDAY Celebrating The Seekers — 60 Years , Albany Entertainment Centre, 11am Ocean with David Attenborough , Orana Cinemas, 6.15pm Planning something? Let us know! Send details of your event to greatsouthern@
