#fusion festival 2019

[wangxianficfinder]

Holiday Compilation

~*~

💙A forgotten pair of gloves by myhouseofstoneyourivygrows (M, 43k, wangxian, LWJ & LSZ & WWX, LXC & NMJ, modern, anxiety attacks, implied/referenced rape/non-con, implied/referenced past child abuse, hurt/comfort, light angst, yunmeng sibling dynamics, not Jiang clan friendly, chronic illness, adoption, fluff, happy ending, hopeful end for jiang sibs, Christmas) — this fic has unfortunately been deleted

with peaceful wings unfurled by sunflowersfield (T, 9k, WangXian, Modern AU, Christmas, College/University, Fluff, Falling In Love, Getting Together, Happy Ending, Minor Character Death, (Lan Qiren passes away before the story begins), Grief/Mourning, First Dates, First Kiss)

Close to the Truth by Winglesss (M, 14k, WangXian, Modern AU, Christmas Fluff, Christmas Party, Ugly Holiday Sweaters, Romantic Comedy, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Fluff and Angst, Homophobia, Tooth-Rotting Fluff)

he gets under your skin by Skadiseven (M, 87k, WangXian, Inspired By While You Were Sleeping (1995), Modern AU, Accidental Engagement, Chicago (City), wangxian's tendency to self-sacrifice, Christmas, Mutual Pining, There's A LOT of Musical References, Slow Burn, Angst with a Happy Ending)

Do You Feel What I Feel? by istartedtheapocalypse (M, 33k, WangXian, Modern AU, Kid Fic, kid fic ish, wangxian in a hallmark christmas movie but hornier, and with slightly more plot and angst, the background XiYao has lighter than canon levels of toxicity but it is still a lil toxic, Holidays, Christmas)

The Maine Thing (Is That You Send A Card) by Comfect (T, 16k, WangXian, Modern AU, Romance, Excessive Use of Rom-Com Tropes, Inspired by Hallmark Christmas Movies, Meet-Cute, Snowed In, Slow Burn, But Not That Slow A Burn, finding yourself, Cozy, Libraries)

A Very Hallmark Untamed Christmas by User_Shay_Wade (M, 5k, WangXian, Modern AU, Small Town, Attempt at Humor, Reference to anal sex, Inspired by Hallmark Christmas Movies)

hurry down my chimney tonight by gusuvibes (G, 20k, WangXian, Modern AU, dad!lwj, WWX and JC are Santa's Elves, Holiday Setting, A-Yuan is too smart for his own good, Fluff and Humor, NHS is a pimp, but not literally, Happy Ending, Surprise Santas, Christmas)

The Mistletoe Virgin by Vamillepudding (G, 12k, WangXian, Modern AU, Romantic Comedy, Friends to Lovers, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Deaf LWH, Christmas)

💖 sweet chaos by eachandeverydimension (G, 86k, WangXian, Arranged Marriage, Canon Divergence, Fluff, Romance, Light Angst, Falling In Love, Different First Meeting, Qīnghéng-jūn's A+ Parenting, Night Hunts, Chinese Language, Good Sibling LXC, Good Sibling JYL, POV LWJ, Getting Together, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Chinese Culture, Slow Burn, No Homophobia AU, Chinese festivals)

"Congratulations, Get Rich" by Attila (T, 9k, WangXian, Modern AU, Chinese New Year, sibling shenanigans, Dumbasses, Humor)

An Accurate (Anachronic) Jianghu Christmas Carol by Mikkeneko (T, 7k, Minor WangXian, Inspired by A Christmas Carol, Crack, Christmas Crack, Breaking the Fourth Wall) - Dickens fusion; a lot of the fun comes from the MDZS characters remaining stubbornly themselves while shoehorned into the Christmas Carol roles, and lampshading the incompatibility of the crossover—and the author reminds us of the inherent hilarity of Dickens’ original prose

Cornday by Lan_zhans, WangXianPatriarch (T, 2k, WangXian, Pining WWX, Fluff, Tickling, Teasing, Flirting, Halloween, POV Alternating, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon) - WWX’s birthday plans are disrupted by a night hunt that involves chasing a haunted scarecrow through a maize field

Tips on Rabbit Husbandry by Full_Metal_Ox (G, 329, WangXian, Fluff, Rabbits, Extended Metaphors, Animal Metaphors, Easter (?)) - posted on Easter Sunday 2019; pet rabbit care as an extended metaphor for Wangxian’s relationship

Praying for Cleverness by x_los (G, 3k, WangXian, Female WWX, Qixi, Gender Changes, Always a Different Sex, Accidental Marriage, Marriage, Festivals, Holidays, Awkwardness, Fist Fights, Pining, Crushes, Sisters, Episode 7)

definitions of home by sasamelons (G, 5k, WangXian, Modern AU, Modern: No Powers, Childhood Friends, Growing Up, Diaspora, Parent-Child Relationship, Sibling Bonding, Chinese New Year, Chinese Food, Food as a Metaphor for Love, Family Fluff, Family Feels)

what part of party don't you understand by wildwestwind (T, 1k, WangXianNing, Modern AU, Christmas, Christmas Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Cultural Differences, Trans Female WWX, Kid Fic)

Wish on a Dandelion by Cupids_arrow (G, 5k, XiCheng, WangXian, Modern AU, Qixi, Established Relationship, Self-Esteem Issues, First Dates, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Sad and Sweet, Romantic Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff)

if nothing else (let's dance under the stars) by EllaYuki (G, 865, WangXian, Qixi, Fluff, Post-Canon, LWJ POV)

Preparing the Soil by Rynne (T, 26k, wangxian, post-canon, established relationship, family issues, Chinese holidays, Chinese New Year, not JC friendly)

A Flower in Bloom (or Wei Wuxian Crashes a Party) by UmbrellaMartialGod (E, 30k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Crossdressing, Humor, Fluff and Smut, Established Relationship, Festivals, Dancer WWX, Insecurity, Blow Jobs, Anal Sex, Porn with Feelings, mild possessive behavior, New Year)

Let Food Be Your Medicine by bigolegay (M, 9k, WangXian, mid-autumn festival, Baking, Food as a Metaphor for Love, WWX centric, Minor Original Character(s), mooncakes, Caiyi Town, Cloud Recesses Shenanigans, Kissing, Food as a Vessel for Grief, JYL in flashbacks/thoughts) - Mid-Autumn Festival; WWX, wishing to present LWJ with lotus seed cakes, learns mooncake-making from Gusu villagers; a lengthy exercise in Food Porn, with detailed descriptions of the cooking process

藕断丝连 by RoseThorne (G, 458, WangXian, LSZ & LWJ, Grief/Mourning, Memory Loss, Memories, POV Third Person, POV LSZ, Rituals, lotuses, Qingming Festival)

Christmas Star by LadyVamp (E, 45k, WangXian, XiCheng, XuanLi, Modern AU, Romance, Inspired by Hallmark Christmas Movies, Christmas Fluff, Romantic Comedy, Angst with a Happy Ending, Fluff and Smut, Misunderstandings, Happy JC, Eventual Smut)

To heal and nurture by Aki_no_hikari (G, 11k, wangxian, post-canon, memories, married couple, fluff, festivals, healing, light angst, TGCF Crossover, fictional village harvest festival in honor of Yushi Huang, probably amounting to Mid-Autumn Festival)

WangXian Christmas Stories by @mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess

see you yesterday by glyphic (M, 138k, WIP, WangXian, Modern AU, Modern with Magic, Ghost Hunters, Time Loop, Case Fic, Hurt/Comfort, Memory Loss, Angst with a Happy Ending, Slow Burn, Halloween)

5 TOTALLY TRUE STORIES OF THE YILING PATRIARCH TO TURN YOUR HAIR WHITE!!!!! (and one story that actually happened) by dragonofeternal (T, 2k, LSZ & WWX, Parody, Crack, Listicle, slander, 5+1 Things, Fluff, Ghosts, Hungry Ghost Festival in the +1)

merry christmas ya filthy animal by belovedmuerto (T, 7k, XuanLi, WangXian, Modern AU, Family, Southern California, Christmas)

The Joy of Storytelling / 桃花運 by Irrelevancy (G, 4k, Songxiao; modern AU, Kid Fic, Daycare, Qixi, Mutual Pining, single dad!SL, canonically horrible storytelling XXC)

Qingming by hanbunnotsuki (G, 2k, WangXian, Traditions, Qingming festival)

clear and bright | 清明 by queerebrum (G, 1k, JingZhen, Qingming Festival, Post-Canon, Orphans, Public Display of Affection, Grief/Mourning, these tags are scary, i promise it's soft)

覆水难收 (spilled water cannot be reclaimed) by fieryrondo (T, 3k, JC & WWX, grief/mourning, canonical character death, 2nd person pov, musical instruments, character study, JC centric, Qingming, Hungry Ghost Festival)

if you sing deck the halls one more time i'll deck your face by lao_you_tiao (T, 1k, 3zun, JC, JL, and WWX, modern, fluff & humor, Christmas)

Trash_Candy_XU’s whole MDZS tag is a series of holiday shortfics following Wangxian through the 2020 calendar: character birthdays as well as both Chinese and Western holidays.

The Gift Exchange by tellthemstories (T, 10k, WangXian, Modern AU, modern cultivator au, they’re all teachers, gift exchanges, Denial of Feelings, everyone knows, Christmas)

Harvest Festival Times Two by theleakypen (G, 2k, Wens & WWX, MXY & WWX, MM & WWX, Modern AU, New York City, technically also a college au but that barely matters, Sukkot | Tabernacles, mid-autumn festival, Extended Families, Synagogue-Assigned Party Guests, Chinese Jewish Characters, Best Friends, Background Relationships) - diasporic Chinese Jewish Wen Remnants host a joint Sukkot/Mid-Autumn Festival

a good night | full heart full belly by frostferox (G, 2k, WangXian, Modern AU, Hanukkah, Wangxian adopts MXY)

Reclamation (where you can see the glow) by theLoyalRoyalGuard (G, 3k, LXC & LWJ, Post-Canon, Hanukkah, fluff and feelings, Family Feels) - the Twin Jades, going through their mother’s effects, learn that she was Jewish

The Fellow-Travelers by Val Mora (valmora) (G, 944, Slice of Life, written for Hanukkah) - SL and XXC are invited to share a campfire by some traveling OC Jewish mystics (who use the terms “Dao” and “cultivators” in a code-switching sense

Summer's End by flowercity (FaoriE) (M, 3k, WangXian, Fae & Fairies, Mutual Pining, Wet Dream, very vaguely described, Samhain, birthday fic)

sweet as the winter sun by Joythea (G, 1k, WangXian, Fluff, Post-Canon, Canon Compliant, Secret Santa, Winter Solstice, Domestic Fluff, Post-Canon Fluff, Making Tangyuan together, Eating Together, Tooth-Rotting Fluff)

Fun With The Easter Bunny by WangXian4Ever77 (E, 4k, WangXian, XuanLi, Modern AU, LWJ as the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg Hunt, tail pulling, Butt Squeezing, Annoyed Easter Bunny, Easter Bunny Kink, Fluff and Smut, Humor, Rabbit Puns, sneaky WWX, Playful Lying, Anal Sex, Oral Sex, Kissing, Rope Bondage, Rough Sex)

Sisters of the Moon by honeylotus (E, 9k, WangXian, Semi-Public Sex, Fix-It of Sorts, Fisting, f/f Wangxian, Winter Solstice (Wiccan/Pagan))

yeh ladka hai allah by teorusu (G, 18k, WangXian, Modern AU, Islam, Islamic References, muslims in omegaverse, A/B/O Dynamics, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Misunderstandings, Omega LWJ, Alpha WWX, contrary to popular belief : this is sfw, Banter, Scenting, Fluff, Eid, Ramadan)

We Wish You A Logical Christmas by little_ogre (M, 9k, WangXian, Star Trek AU, Mutual Pining, Happy Ending, Going to Vulcan for Christmas, WWX is Vulcan, LWJ is human, what could go wrong, Pon Farr)

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Lan JingYi by DragonsPhoenix (G, <1k, LJY, linus van Pelt, Peanuts crossover, developing friendship, halloween, Great Pumpkin)

A Koi Tower Christmas by East_Of_Akkala, glitterlessgold490 (T, 14k, WIP, MM/QS, XuanLi, Modern AU, POV MY, POV MXY, POV QS, POV JZX, MXY has ADHD, Sugar gliders, Implied/Referenced Sexual Assault, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Homophobia, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Humor, Crack and Angst, Child JL, holiday parties, Himbo JZX, Most of the Trigger Warnings in This Story are JGS, Past Infidelity, Ableism, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Christmas)

Tofurkey Day by East_Of_Akkala & glitterlessgold490 (T, 10k, LXC/JGY, LXC/NMJ, pre-3zun, wangxian, modern, diasporic AU, humor, crack, polyamory, secret relationship, brotherly love, sibling dynamics of all sorts, WWX has ADHD, autistic LWJ, smart NHS, Thanksgiving (U.S.) ) Extended family Thanksgiving dinner at the Lans’, with personality, dietary, and political clashes, little kids, pets running amuck, and the characters being themselves Up To Eleven.

Ornaments Under the Stars by trippednfell (M, 6k, wangxian, modern, inspired by hallmark christmas movies, kid fic, disabled character, Additional Warnings In Author's Note, WIP)

I Want to Spend this Christmas with You! by cheese_fish (G, 4k, wangxian, modern, christmas, fluff)

another ghost walks down the hall by isshun (G, 2k, wangxian, modern, hurt/comfort, Hungry Ghost Festival, Chinese rites & rituals)

forever can never be long enough for me by isshun (T, 12k, LWJ & JYL, wangxian, modern, established relationship, food as a metaphor for love, Winter Solstice (Dongzhi), hurt/comfort, bonding, loving WWX hours)

Five Shades of Home by DrPanda99 (G, 13k, WangXian, Chinese New Year, Grief/Mourning, Introspection, Hurt/Comfort, Homecoming, WWX's Canonical Self-Esteem Issues, Domesticity, Yunmeng Brothers Reconciliation, (or at least the start of it), Good Uncle LQR, Post-Canon)

The Nines of Winter by ArcadianMaggie (E, 13k, WangXian, Modern AU, Dongzhi, Snowed In, Sharing a Bed, Hot Cocoa, Getting Back Together, home for the holidays, Puppy rescue, Panic Attacks, LWJ's Pet Rabbits, maybe just a tiny bit of angst, Fluff and Smut, and family feels, Hand Jobs, Kissing, First Time)

Make My Wish Come True by justpeace (T, 9k, wangxian, modern cultivation, gender changes, fem wangxian, Christmas, fake/pretend relationship, sharing a bed, case fic, getting together, angst, butch LWJ)

Fall in Love with me this Christmas by Bldreaming (Not Rated, 24k, WangXian, Modern AU, Christmas, Christmas Fluff, Christmas wedding, JYL Lives, Good Sibling JYL, JYL and JZX Live, Married XuanLi, man of honor wwx, Best woman Minamian, Reunions, Fluff and Smut, Secret Santa, Sexting, Phone Sex Blow Jobs, Semi-Public Sex, not a slow burn, Winter Wonderland, Yanli loves christmas, Christmas Music, Christmas Presents, Christmas, Smut Getting Together, First Love) - implied/referenced switching during phone sex

~*~

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 20/01/2024

Be Cool, Be Wild, and Be My Girl

Season 1 Featured on: GilvaSunner's Highest Quality Video Game Rips: Volume 6​.​66

Ripped by THiNGYBOBinc

Whew!! MAGFest days are finally over, and what a time it was - the SiIvaGunner Chipspace show was absolutely fantastic, and I hope it gets uploaded on its own soon so y'all can watch it as well! With that out of the way: the sappy times are over, Season 8 is ready to rev up and go at any moment, and the blog must go on. So, given that I spent all of yesterday talking about the Nostalgia Critic takeover with Fragile Snowman (Remastered), I figured it'd be fitting to return to the Season that said nostalgia was directed to - and an all-time favorite memory I have of watching the channel at that time.

I've pointed it out a good number of times by now, including once again in yesterday's post, but one of the things that really did make Season 1 so unique was how spontaneous and unpredictable it felt. The main reason was of course that we lacked much of any expectations in general, but the channel back in Season 1 also didn't exactly have much in the way of large-scale projects planned ahead like the Christmas Comeback Crisis, or the various Festival events that debuted in Season 4 Episode 2 onward. If you caught the SiIvaGunner panel at MAGFest this year, or have followed anything regarding rips like the Shop Fusion Collab or projects like CCC Episode 11, you'll know just how large and coordinated these projects have become. As Chaze explained back in MAGFest 2019: SiIvaGunner Presents - High Quality Ripping, meanwhile, back in Season 1 they would occasionally just completely abandon whatever event they seemed to be teasing just to fuck with the audience and subvert their expectations.

Subverting our expectations was the initial pitch for the SiIvaGunner channel as a whole, but by the time Be Cool, Be Wild, and Be My Girl was uploaded halfway through Season 1, it really did feel like we'd gotten better at seeing through the smoke and mirrors - we knew that all rips would show their cards eventually and then cue for laughter from us as viewers. Keep in mind: this was also just a week shy from the start of The Reboot, at at time when the idea of the channel having lore or that it would progress much further, was really just conspiracy talk. And indeed, Be Cool, Be Wild, and Be My Girl shows its hand quite early - just 10 seconds into the rip, as the song properly "begins", it becomes a pretty pretty standard, though befitting mashup, one you'd probably expect from just seeing the title. Joke revealed, cue laughter, add to playlist...

Then suddenly, the rip stops - and the facade is lifted. And I suppose it's time for me to start lifting the facade here too, perhaps?

Indeed, if you saw the title of today's post, opened the YouTube link in a new tab, and kept reading the post, you may have felt like you knew exactly what you'd be getting - a solid Season 1-era mashup of Be Cool, Be Wild and Be Groovy and the 2000s rock hit Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet. Yet before the mashup is able to go anywhere, the joke is interrupted, mockingly so, by Dr. Eggman, sentence-mixed to poke fun at you over thinking you'd gotten the joke of the rip down. This is no longer a bait-and-switch, but a DOUBLE bait-and-switch - presenting you with the switch for long enough to make you comfortable, then pulling the rug under THAT immediately. And, like - I don't think I can overstate how absolutely baffling that was to experience back in 2016?? Though SiIvaGunner was indeed about subverting expectation, six months in it had still built itself an identity of what to expect from the channel - yet without any warning, here it felt as if the team was practically doing a prank on its own fans. Better yet, the prank only escalated from there, as Eggman voice clips are interspersed in the beats inbetween the song's vocals, before he's suddenly joined by voice clips from Big the Cat of all characters - this prank is on three levels of rug-pulling.

And indeed, I've kind of pulled a prank on you here as well - because the post you're reading is actually about TWO rips from Season 1. Earlier in the third paragraph, I was describing the first of these rips, the one linked in the Bandcamp embed here - uploaded two weeks before the events of The Reboot kicked into motion. Because of that, it plays on the mixed feelings the fanbase once had on using Snow Halation in rips, only to switch it with Are You Gonna Be My Girl: hence the name, Be Cool, Be Wild, and Be My Girl. As The Reboot came and went, however, and told its story specifically about how Snow Halation truly deserves its place on the channel, we'd see the upload of a second rip a few weeks later - pulling the inverse joke. It's possible, back then, that enough time had passed between the two rips to where people had forgotten about the original bait-and-switch, but what was once used as a way to make fun of Snow Halation's percieved mediocrity was now spun into an actual appreciation and celebration of the song!

I hope all of this information on the history of these two moderately-known 2016 rips in particular is at all comprehensible, but the point I wanted to convey is - this shit was REALLY cool to see happen live with both videos. With Be Cool, Be Wild and Be My Girl, it felt like one of the first big shake-ups to the channel's status quo we'd yet seen at that point, and sort of prepared us to never take anything in a rip at face value - then, with the second rip, it felt like a perfect testament to how much The Reboot truly had changed the perception on Snow Halation as a song. The switch to the song didn't feel like an annoyance, but like a rip we'd all now suddenly actually wanted to see - one that we welcomed with open arms. Be it due to rippers being inspired or just paying tribute to one another, these kinds of call-and-response rips are a lot more common on the channel than you may initially think, and are sometimes even made years apart. Be it Windows Wonga Wappa, Ripping Video Game Music​.​.​.​.​.​.​At Night (2020 Edition), or even just with remasters like Violet Snow Memories, it never stops being heartwarming to see rippers pay tribute to one another - or just continuing on from a joke they themselves started.

ALL SYSTEMS, FULL HALATION!!!

[jamiebamberdaily]

A Year in Review : Jamie's 2023

Welcome to our look back on Jamie’s 2023! It’s been a tough year for the entertainment industry in general, with the SAG-AFTRA strike taking place from July all the way through to November, and we know that this impacted Jamie as he chose to take a stand along with many of his other acting peers. Yet despite this, Jamie has accomplished a lot in this year & it’s time to look back at some of the highlights!

February saw the release of Beyond Paradise on BBC1. Jamie played Archie Hughes, an ex flame of Martha’s who joined forces with her in getting her new business in Shipton Abbott up and running. Unfortunately for Archie, Martha had moved back to Shipton Abbott with her fiance, Humphrey and the two didn’t quite see eye to eye. This was such a fun role for Jamie and a complete joy to watch.

April was an exciting month which saw Jamie celebrating his 50th birthday and as always we marked the occasion with a birthday video which many of you took part in! He also travelled over to Cannes to premiere Cannes Confidential at  the 6th Canneseries Festival alongside co-stars Lucie Lucas and Tamara Marthe.

May saw Jamie treading the boards once again in Uncle Glen’s Menagerie at the Arcola Theatre which we were lucky enough to go and watch. Such an incredible evening of ad-lib comedy and superb acting from an incredible group of actors and comedians. As ever we want to thank Jamie for his time that he spent chatting with us before and after the show too.

In June finally came the UK release of Cannes Confidential on Acorn TV and we LOVED Harry King from the moment we met him. Such a fun, easy watching show and such a complex character in which Jamie got to show off all sides of his talent, from comedy through to some really beautiful emotional moments, especially in scenes with his on-screen daughter Emilie who was played by his real life daughter Ava in a brilliant debut performance. June also saw the release of Trader over in Russia - a project which Jamie filmed alongside his amazing wife Kerry all the way back in 2019! And of course, we cannot forget the epic BSG reunion which took place when Jamie headed over to Phoenix Fan Fusion. #SoSayWeAll

July brought some incredible news as Jamie announced that he was taking part in Kenny Logan’s RWC Challenge - an epic 700 mile cycle & walking challenge from Edinburgh to Paris, all to raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Throughout July all the way through to October when the challenge took place, Jamie was training hard to ensure that he was ready for the mammoth challenge ahead.

August saw the release of Who Is Erin Carter? on Netflix - a twisty, fast paced thriller from the mind of Strike Back writer, Jack Lothian. Jamie played DI Jim Armstrong, a mysterious figure from Erin’s past. Though he was only in two episodes. We LOVED this character and with the series being left open ended, we really hope we get to see more of Jim in the future.

In September, Jamie attended the National Television Awards alongside his Beyond Paradise cast mates as the show was nominated for Best New Drama (which sadly it didn’t win).

And onto October which was such an important month for Jamie as all the training paid off when he & so many other incredible people including Kenny & Gabby Logan, Ally McCoist, Jason Fox and Jimmy Nesbitt started their gruelling trek on bike and foot from Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh to the Stade de France in Paris. This challenge was hugely life changing for the whole team (as well as a whole lot of fun!) and they smashed their target of raising £555,555 between them for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. We were honoured to be able to cheer them all on for a small part of this journey when we saw them off in York on day 3 and welcomed them back as they ended the day at the beautiful Belvoir Castle. To top off an incredible achievement, Jamie was also asked to become an ambassador for the foundation - a role we know that he will embody so well.

October also saw Jamie joining Cameo, giving fans the opportunity to get a personalised video message from him (which we of course took advantage of also!) and to round off the month, Cannes Confidential aired on French TV, renamed  Cannes Police Criminalle, with the entire show having been dubbed into French by the original cast.

November saw Jamie as a guest on fellow RWC Challenge team mate Archie Curzon’s podcast, The Rig Biz Pod, which was a brilliantly funny interview.

And to round the year off, December gave us announcements of not one but two new projects to look forward to in 2024! Firstly, Heavyweight, starring and produced by Jamie’s Marcella co-star Nicholas Pinnock, will be a gritty London drama focusing on the mental state of a boxer and his cornermen backstage before the fight as the clock ticks down. 

With the strike finally over, Jamie travelled to Bulgaria to film Strangers alongside Sienna Guillory, Emmett J Scanlan and Jon Voight. The project is described as an action thriller and will be released in 2024 on Paramount Plus.

As well as these two exciting announcements, AKA Blackbird, the brainchild of BSG alumni James Callis was finally released as an audiobook! With so many former BSG stars taking part in it, including Jamie and Kerry, it’s definitely not one to be missed.

And there you have it! Despite some difficult times, Jamie really did achieve a lot this year and with 2 projects already to look forward to, we can’t wait to see what else 2024 has in store.

As ever, we would like to thank you for all the support of our page over this past year and wish you all a very happy new year!

Jemma and Sophie. xx

[alexhwriting]

Bloodborne: A Study of Environmental Narratives and Ludonarrative Harmony.

VII. Conclusion

While this paper only addresses Bloodborne as far as concerns about ludonarrative harmony go, that is far from the extent of the concept’s applications within the field of video game studies going forward. Engaging with games and looking for this blending between the ludic and narrative elements proves fruitful as an exploration of developer intention and whether or not those marks have been missed. Without ludonarrative harmony, players are faced with disjointed and un-immersive experiences in their narrative games. Games that deemphasize narrative are, of course, less concerned about ludonarrative harmony, though the vast majority of things being produced by gaming companies as of this paper’s writing to involve some form of narrative progression.

To summarize, Bloodborne gives its players a sense of harmony between its narrative themes and its gameplay by blending its environmental storytelling, narrative elements, and gameplay into a cohesive whole. This paper looked at how each of these elements worked, moving from the most broad, environmental storytelling, to the most complicated and narrow, ludonarrative harmony. Through an exploration of the narrative expectations of Bloodborne and comparing those with the gameplay, we can see that the game emphasizes its narrative themes throughout the play experience by utilizing elements like health damage, enemies, and item descriptions to effectively blur the line between what is narrative and what is gameplay.

Bibliography

Aarseth, Espen. “A Hollow World: World of Warcraft as Spatial Practice.” In Digital Culture, Play and Identity: A World of Warcraft Reader, edited by Hilde G Corneliussen and Jill Walker Rettberg, 111–22. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2008.

Christopher, David, and Aidan Leuszler. “Horror Video Games and the ‘Active-Passive’ Debate.” Games and Culture, April 27, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1177/15554120221088115.

FromSoftware. Bloodborne. Bandai Namco. Xbox One/PC/PlayStation. 2015

Green, Amy M. Storytelling in Video Games. McFarland, 2017.

Grodel, Torben. “Video Games and the Pleasures of Control.” Media Entertainment, 2000, 209–26.

Hocking, Clint. “Ludonarrative Dissonance in Bioshock.” Click Nothing, October 7, 2007. https://clicknothing.typepad.com/click_nothing/2007/10/ludonarrative-d.html.

Jenkins, Henry. “Game Design as Narrative Architecture.” In First Person: New Media as Story, Performance, and Game, edited by Pat Harrington and Noah Frup, 118–30. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2004.

Kirkland, Ewan. “Storytelling in Survival Horror Video Games.” In Horror Video Games: Essays on the Fusion of Fear and Play, edited by Bernard Perron, 62–78. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 2009.

Kocurek, Carly A. “Who Hearkens to the Monster’s Scream? Death, Violence, and the Veil of the Monstrous in Video Games.” Visual Studies 30, no. 1 (January 2, 2015): 79–89. https://doi.org/10.1080/1472586x.2015.996402.

Krzywinska, Tanya. “Blood Scythes, Festivals, Quests, and Backstories.” Games and Culture 1, no. 4 (October 2006): 383–96. https://doi.org/10.1177/1555412006292618.

Ruberg, Bonnie. Video Games Have Always Been Queer. New York: New York University Press, 2019.

Ryan, Marie-Laure. Narrative as Virtual Reality 2: Revisiting Immersion and Interactivity in Literature and Electronic Media. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2015.

Soriani, Alessandro, and Stefano Caselli. “Visual Narratives in Videogames: How Videogames Tell Stories through Graphical Elements.” Img Journal 3 (2020): 474–99.

Thon, Jan-Noël. “Transmedial Narratology Revisited: On the Intersubjective Construction of Storyworlds and the Problem of Representational Correspondence in Films, Comics, and Video Games.” Narrative 25, no. 3 (2017): 286–320. https://doi.org/10.1353/nar.2017.0016.

Wolf, Mark J. P. “Beyond Immersion: Absorption, Saturation, and Overflow in the Building of Imaginary Worlds.” In World Building, Transmedia, Fans, Industries, edited by Marta Boni, 204–14. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2017.

[littlemixdaily]

Fusion Festival 2019: Day 3 in Liverpool, England - September 1, 2019

[solaadisa]

SOLA ADISA

full name: omorinsola "sola" fisayo adisa

pronouns & gender: she/her, cis woman

birthday & birthplace: june 8, 1996 (28); lagos, nigeria

location: ocean crest apartments

time in aurora bay: since june 2019

sexuality: bisexual

occupation: food truck owner/chef

@aurorabayaesthetic

about.

sola was born in lagos, nigeria to a big extended family but is an only child. her dad owned a restaurant serving nigerian standards — her mom never understood why people kept coming when they could just make it at home, but her dad always said it was because his food was just magical. sola grew up totally believing that, and she basically spent her childhood in the kitchen. when her parents wanted better tips or were dealing with a difficult table, they usually sent sola out with the food because it was adorable to have a tiny person just toddling up bringing plates carefully to the table, one by one.

she was born while a pretty brutal dictatorship was in place in nigeria, and she's fortunate not to remember any of it. her family laid low during the whole thing, just making their food and keeping their heads down, even though her mom hated that they had to. she wanted to be out in the streets, protesting and fighting, but having sola is the only thing that held her back. abacha, the dictator, died in 1998, but on a day-to-day level things got harder for the adisas because the country was going through so much structural change. almost the entirety of their extended family had already left, so when sola was seven, her immediate family followed.

they moved to flatbush, a neighborhood in brooklyn, and things were hard. her family had spent a lot of their savings on the move, and her parents had a hard time finding work because of a stigma around immigrants and like...general racism. sola is an incredibly chill person now, but she does have an acute sense for injustice and is very sensitive to anything she perceives as prejudice. things settled down eventually, her parents found blue collar jobs that were enough to pay the bills. her dad never opened a restaurant in the states, but he kept cooking all the while. the fundamentals of her knowledge of food came from him.

sola is a slacker. she realized from a pretty early age that she didn't need much, so she didn't ask for much. she could've spent her entire life at home with her parents, but she'd been raised by two strivers and achievers, and they would never allow that of her. so they got her through school and told her they would help her do whatever she wanted to do, she just had to do something.

so, of course, she chose food. nothing else felt so natural to her. after graduating high school, she took a gap year where she really just fooled around the city and worked to make her own money, and then she picked up and shipped off to the west coast for culinary school. at first, she hated being so far from home but eventually settled in, made friends, and reveled in the fact that she got to do what she loved everyday.

before graduating, she and a friend decided that the world of haute cuisine and pretentious food wasn't for them, and they resolved to the best goddamn food truck together. sola brought her background in nigerian food, her friend brought her background in south indian food, and they pooled their money to buy and fix up a truck called "jolyani," after their marquee dish: a goat jollof/lamb biryani fusion plate. they cooked up a lot of weird, fun, wonderful fusion dishes together, and just drove their little truck around southern california, selling at street corners, food festivals, wherever the cops wouldn't chase them away.

her co-owner was from aurora bay, and sola didn't care at all where they went, so they made AB their home base right after graduation. so she's just been moving and grooving ever since! she's a lil weirdo who's totally uninterested in anything serious except her food. she loves her work because she basically makes her own hours and, recently, after some tiktokers in LA found the truck, it's just been growing in popularity.

family.

mother: tianna adisa (nee king)

father: ifechukwude adisa

tidbits.

she owns a small turtle named "shell" because why not

will literally eat anything. she's gotten food poisoning so many times.

she's pretty different from her mom, but the biggest thing she took from her was that little fire inside of her, an anger at the fact that some people just think they're better than others, and all the things in the world that reinforce that belief — racism, classism, what have you. every month, a cut of her money from the truck goes to a food justice organization that she likes, and every other saturday she parks the truck in poorer neighborhoods and subsidizes prices for her food.

connections

roommate of @buddywellls

culinary school ride or dies with @cricketcampbell

gets seafood from @clint-bennet in return for free food

friend of @ulyflynn, @maura-cortes

frequent bakery interloper interrupting @thelizaxlevin's workday

new york city rats with @mackmontgomery

wants @samucl-kane to adopt her

internet turned irl friends w/ @ziggykyeons

[desicinema2]

"The Global Rise of DesiCinema: How Indian Films are Conquering the World"

Indian cinema, also known as DesiCinema, has long been a force to reckon with, captivating millions of viewers both in India and abroad. In recent years, however, DesiCinema has exploded onto the global stage, earning accolades and achieving unprecedented success in international markets. From awards at prestigious film festivals to record-breaking box office numbers worldwide, the influence of Indian cinema has reached new heights. But what is behind this growing global recognition, and why are international audiences flocking to desicinema in droves?

A New Era of Global Storytelling

DesiCinema has historically been known for its larger-than-life spectacle, songs, and dances, but the new wave of Indian filmmakers is pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Directors are increasingly creating content that resonates not only with Indian audiences but also with global viewers. The success of films like Gully Boy (2019), which was inspired by the Indian rap scene, and RRR (2022), which broke records worldwide, signals a shift in Indian cinema's approach to narrative, style, and themes.

These films tackle universal themes—such as self-expression, rebellion, and friendship—that resonate across cultural boundaries. RRR’s success, in particular, is a testament to the power of DesiCinema to appeal to global audiences. The film's combination of jaw-dropping action, compelling storytelling, and emotional depth earned it widespread praise, not only in India but across the world, culminating in a win for Best Original Song at the 2023 Academy Awards.

Social Media & Streaming Platforms: Catalysts of Change

The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar has played a crucial role in making DesiCinema accessible to international audiences. These platforms offer a convenient way for non-Indian viewers to explore Indian cinema, often with subtitles in multiple languages. This accessibility has democratized Indian films and allowed viewers from all corners of the world to explore the diverse narratives of DesiCinema.

Films like The Lunchbox (2013) and Dangal (2016) have garnered massive global audiences through these platforms, showcasing India's rich culture and unique storytelling style. The availability of regional films from industries like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Bengali on international streaming services has opened up a whole new world of cinema that was previously inaccessible to non-Indian viewers.

Moreover, social media has played a pivotal role in spreading the word about DesiCinema. Hashtags like #Bollywood, #Tollywood, and #RRR have trended on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, creating viral moments and attracting global attention. The use of social media platforms to engage with fans directly has allowed Indian filmmakers to cultivate a global fanbase that is enthusiastic and vocal about their work.

The Appeal of DesiCinema: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

So why are global audiences falling in love with DesiCinema? One of the key reasons is its ability to blend traditional cultural elements with modern cinematic techniques. Indian films are renowned for their rich music, vibrant dance sequences, and colorful visuals, but they also tackle complex and relatable issues. Whether it’s the human struggles depicted in Barfi! (2012), the socio-political commentary in Article 15 (2019), or the celebration of identity in Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), DesiCinema finds a way to connect deeply with audiences.

Furthermore, Indian cinema’s unique form of storytelling—whether it’s through fantasy, action, drama, or romance—offers something distinct from Hollywood and other global film industries. Desi films have a way of immersing viewers in their worlds, blending emotion, spectacle, and culture in a way that feels fresh and exciting.

International Film Festivals and Recognition

The international recognition of DesiCinema has been marked by an increasing presence at prestigious film festivals around the world. Films like The Lunchbox, Court (2014), Masaan (2015), and Gully Boy have all made waves at major festivals such as Cannes, Toronto, and Berlin. Additionally, Indian filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Anurag Kashyap, and Zoya Akhtar have earned critical acclaim for their work, helping put desicinemas on the global map.

This visibility has helped Indian cinema break through traditional cultural and language barriers, making it a respected part of the global film landscape. The Indian diaspora, which spans continents, has been instrumental in spreading the love for DesiCinema, but the appeal is no longer limited to them. Non-Indians are now discovering the joy of watching Indian films, and their global success is evidence of the growing influence of DesiCinema worldwide.

Conclusion: A Cinematic Revolution

DesiCinema is in the midst of a revolution. From the groundbreaking work of contemporary filmmakers to the global embrace of Indian stories, the future of Indian cinema is brighter than ever. As Indian filmmakers continue to experiment with new forms of storytelling and embrace global sensibilities, DesiCinema is poised to captivate audiences worldwide for years to come.

In a world where cinema is becoming increasingly globalized

[micro961]

Fabio Smitti: “Carma”

Il nuovo singolo del cantautore trevigiano è un brano che attraverso sonorità elettro-pop ipnotiche ci accompagna nel viaggio spirituale del protagonista

«La crescita interiore può avere evoluzioni diverse in ognuno di noi a seconda di chi siamo e chi vogliamo diventare. Nonostante ci siano delle differenze, si può tuttavia tracciare un percorso comune per chi vuole evolvere, percorso fatto di ricerca di insegnanti o più in generale di entità che possano istruire su quale sia la strada per diventare abbastanza coscienti. Questo prima di tutto per saper riconoscere e filtrare tutte le informazioni che ci arrivano, nel bene e nel male, poi per accettare e vivere con serenità gli eventi della vita. In senso Buddista, Carma è la parola che riassume questi concetti, parola che indica il funzionamento universale di casualità sia delle cose ma soprattutto degli aspetti invisibili o spirituali della vita.» Fabio Smitti

“Carma” è il quarto singolo del cantautore trevigiano Fabio Smitti, nuovo capitolo del suo progetto di fusione del cantautorato italiano con la musica elettronica. La ricerca sonora nella musica di Smitti qui si intreccia e fonde con la ricerca personale e interiore del protagonista del brano, alla ricerca di una crescita che porti a conoscere il suo vero Io. In questo percorso si inserisce inaspettatamente la passione per una donna, che viene però accarezzata e lasciata andare perché il viaggio spirituale non è ancora concluso e non può sostenere l’amore per un’altra persona. Le sonorità elettro-pop del brano restituiscono il senso di un viaggio interiore turbolento e travagliato, con una sezione ritmica incalzante sulla quale tastiere e chitarre tessono un tappeto sonoro lisergico e ipnotico.

Fabio Cancian in arte Fabio Smitti, sviluppa in gioventù una spiccata passione per la musica, dedicandosi anche in modo occasionale a lezioni di chitarra. Ascolta tra i più svariati generi dalla Tecnotrance al Rock, dal Pop al Grunge, per prediligere infine la musica Italiana. Adora Franco Battiato, Max Gazzè, Neffa e i CSI. A metà anni ‘90 crea una rock band, i BCS producendo anche un CD di musica propria con 12 canzoni in Italiano. Per diverse ragioni abbandona la produzione musicale e i concerti a inizio 2000, fino al 2019 dove incontra Fabio Fiore. I due sono amici musicisti di vecchia data e dopo diverse collaborazioni in passato, decidono di dare vita ad un progetto musicale di musica pop-rock originale, Le Vane Intese. Producono quindi un album dal titolo ENJOY THE MOMENT, progetto pop-rock-indie che evidenzia temi di attualità e di natura sociale in modo ironico e divertente. Escono con 10 tracce in Italiano, 4 di queste pubblicate anche con videoclip. Tra questi c’è ENJOY THE MOMENT vincitore del 1° Premio del Festival Nazionale Amicorti 2020 e EROI l’ultimo uscito. A fine 2021 Fabio ha il desiderio spingersi in qualcosa che lo ha sempre affascinato, di esplorare un mondo musicale diverso: coniugare musica elettronica e cantautorato Italiano. Nasce quindi SATISFACTION che esce a Settembre 2022 raccogliendo riscontri positivi sia dai fan storici che lo hanno sempre seguito sia dagli ascoltatori in cerca di idee nuove. Successivamente tra il 2023 e 2024 escono i singoli LUNA, EPILOGI e ECO MODO. Il nuovo singolo CARMA, sviluppato e prodotto in collaborazione con l'amico e produttore Eduard Orselli, esce l’11 ottobre 2024 in radio e in tutti i digital store.

CONTATTI E SOCIAL Instagram Facebook Youtube Spotify

[newmusicradionetwork]

Far Trio Gear Up for Highly Anticipated New Album

FAR Trio, an earthy fusion band hailing from Buffalo and formed over a decade ago in Fredonia, NY, is hitting the road this fall for an East Coast tour, bringing their unique blend of soul, blues, and singer-songwriter vibes to audiences across the Northeast. Comprising Eamon Rayhn (vocals, bass), Drew Azzinaro (vocals, guitar), and Ethan Fox (drums), the band has been a fixture in the region’s music scene for the past five years, performing over 150 shows annually across cities like Buffalo, NYC, the Finger Lakes, Philadelphia, and the Hudson Valley. Known for their electrifying performances and organic sound, FAR Trio has played at renowned venues including The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, Shakti Lounge, So Far NYC, and major jazz festivals such as The Northwest Jazz Festival and Carnegie Jazz Festival. Their extensive touring has earned them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for their fresh takes on classic songs by artists such as John Lennon and The Allman Brothers, as well as for their compelling original compositions. In 2022, FAR Trio released their second album, Ordinary Moments, recorded in Woodstock, NY, with legendary producer Scott Petito (James Taylor, Chick Corea, John Scofield). The album features 14 tracks ranging from soulful singer-songwriter tunes to raunchy blues-tinged grooves. This latest work showcases the band’s evolution as a unit, with each member augmenting the others’ compositions and delivering a diverse sound that captivates a wide audience. With two albums under their belt, including FAR Volume 1 (2019), and a new project on the horizon for next year, the band continues to write, experiment, and create music that transcends genres while keeping its soul firmly rooted in the earthy fusion they are known for. Fans can catch FAR Trio at the following upcoming tour dates: - Oct 4th – Opening for Joe Marcinek at Palace Theater, Lockport - Oct 5th – Tap and Brew, Niagara Falls - Oct 10th – Stamford Coffee, Stamford, NY - Oct 11th – Scale House, Hector - Oct 12th – Greenwolf, Middleburgh - Oct 13th – Twin Star Vineyards - Oct 18th – Bright Eyes, Long Beach - Oct 19th – Red Shed, Cooperstown - Oct 20th – Tasting Lab, Greenville Stream their latest album, Ordinary Moments, on all major platforms now, and stay tuned for their upcoming release next year. About FAR Trio: F.A.R.Trio consists of Eamon Rayhn (vocals, bass), Drew Azzinaro (vocals, guitar), and Ethan Fox (drums). The band blends elements of soul, blues, and singer-songwriter genres, creating eclectic performances that resonate with audiences across the East Coast. Their music is defined by thoughtful songwriting, intricate arrangements, and an undeniable chemistry on stage. Your Needed Dose of Rock N’ Soul! Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Spotify Read the full article

[poetrificationfestival]

I finalisti della 5a edizione

La giuria emerita si è espressa e ha scelto i 5 progetti finalisti che accedono alla finale del V Premio Roberto Sanesi il 21 Settembre:

Gemma Marotta in arte Marge è un’attrice-performer e pittrice. Vanta un vasto curriculum, con esibizioni in molti teatri della Sicilia e prestigiosi riconoscimenti che colleziona in parallelo alle numerose estemporanee d'arte, collettive e personali. La sua formazione inizia da piccolissima con la danza per poi girare l’Europa insieme al gruppo Folkloristico Fabaria Folk come performer. È il 2016 quando si laurea con lode menzione e dignità di stampa in Arti Visive e Discipline dello Spettacolo all'A.B.A.M.A. di Agrigento con una tesi sperimentale sul Museo Contemporaneo. Nello stesso anno, si trasferisce a Bologna, la città in cui ha la possibilità di formarsi con le realtà più importanti del panorama artistico contemporaneo: Teatro Valdoca, Societas, V. Sieni, E. Dante, M. Biagini, Living Theatre Europa. Si laurea con una tesi sul Teatro Sociale alla Magistrale in Scienze dello Spettacolo e Produzione Multimediale. Il primo lavoro teatrale scritto, diretto e interpretato interamente da se stessa si intitola Sugnu, un inno alla creazione nel quale non mancano le sue pennellate.

MORA è un progetto di spoken music nato nel 2019 dalla collaborazione tra il musicista Giulio Amerigo Galibariggi e il poeta Sebastiano Mignosa, finalista nel 2021 del Premio Dubito e del Premio Nebbiolo nel 2022. Lo stesso anno il gruppo prende parte al festival di musica emergente MIAMI di Milano e nel 2023 partecipa al Metronimie Festival di Torino e al Klohifest di Ostuni. Debito è il primo album e racconta la storia d'amore tra un ragazzo e la sua città. L'intero lavoro segue la struttura di un prestito bancario, nel tentativo di costruire un parallelismo tra il concetto di debito - inteso come senso di colpa - e la questione generazionale e ambientale legata al Polo petrolchimico di Priolo Gargallo (Siracusa).

Mirko Vercelli, nato a Torino nel 2000, è un giovane scrittore e poeta performativo, laureato in antropologia all'Università di Torino. Si occupa di cultura pop, politica e media, collaborando con il Centro Studi Sereno Regis. È fondatore e direttore della rivista indipendente «bonbonniere» e ha pubblicato il romanzo Linea Retta nel 2021, oltre al saggio Memenichilismo nel 2024. Il Maltempo Collettivo è un ensemble di musica contemporanea improvvisata concepito con l'obiettivo di creare e condividere un'esperienza di espressione e creatività. La collaborazione tra Mirko Vercelli e il Maltempo Collettivo rappresenta un'interessante fusione tra improvvisazione musicale e spoken word poetico. Questo progetto combina la sensibilità letteraria di Vercelli con l'approccio sperimentale del collettivo, creando un'esperienza immersiva e unica che sfida le convenzioni sia della poesia che della musica contemporanea. La loro performance congiunta esplora nuove forme di espressione artistica, mettendo in dialogo suono e parola in un flusso creativo spontaneo e dinamico.

Canzoni d��inverno è una raccolta di poesie scritte da Mattia Muscatello, illustrate da Gabriele Sanzo e musicate da Filippo d’Erasmo. Canzoni d’Inverno è un viaggio multisensoriale, un’immersione che permette di leggere, vedere e ascoltare, nel profondo, la consistenza delle emozioni da cui è nato. Mattia, Gabriele e Filippo sono tre persone che sono una persona sola: perché hanno capito come creare un’armonia dalla moltitudine di note, parole e colori che contengono. Restano infatti in tre e, nelle loro individualità, comunicano secondo tre mezzi espressivi diversi uno stesso sentimento condiviso, coeso, coerente ma non omologato. Il progetto ha un’anima analogica, fisica, rappresentata dal libro e una seconda, digitale, riportata nei brani ascoltabili online sulle piattaforme di streaming musicali. Il progetto viene presentato dal vivo come una vera e propria performance, che mescola la lettura delle poesie sulla musica dal vivo, accompagnate dallo spettacolo di live painting proiettato durante l’esibizione.

Mattia Tarantino (Napoli, 2001) codirige Inverso – Giornale di poesia e fa parte della redazione di Atelier. Collabora con numerose riviste, in Italia e all’estero, tra cui Buenos Aires Poetry. Per i suoi versi, tradotti in più di dieci lingue, ha vinto diversi premi. Ha pubblicato Se giuri sull'arca (2024), L’età dell’uva (2021), Fiori estinti (2019), Tra l’angelo e la sillaba (2017); tradotto Verso Carcassonne (2022) e Poema della fine (2020). Maria Ferraro (Napoli, 1997) studia Industrial Chemistry for Circular and Bio Economy all’Università di Napoli “Federico II”. Nonostante l’impronta scientifica dei suoi studi ha sempre coltivato la passione per le discipline artistiche e musicali. Tra la primavera e l'estate 2024 ha messo in scena, con Mattia Tarantino, il concerto "Qualcosa da salvare" e il poema "Se giuri sull'arca". Vieni a votare il tuo preferito allo Spazio211!

[thejoyofviolentmovement]

Formed back in 2016, the Austin-based outfit Superfónicos — Jaime Ospina (vocals, gaita, percussion), Nicolás Sanchez Castro (bass, melodica, vibes backing vocals), Nick Tozzo (Congas, tambor alegre, timbales, percussion), Daniel Sanchez (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Chris “Zumbi” Richards (trombone, bombardino), Evan Marley Hegarty (keys), Erick Bohoroquez (guitar, backing vocals), and Andreas Villegas (guitar, backing vocals) — have specialized in a sound that features elements of Colombian funk, cumbia and Afrobeat, informed by the fact that most of the band’s members have deep roots in Colombia. While highlight the country’s Caribbean coastal sounds, it is also a celebration of the human spirit, telling stories of the displaced, folkloric tales form the countryside, and the reminder to let go and embrace experiences that are more connected to the earth and our ancestors. The band has played Austin City Limits Festival twice — in 2018 and 2021. They’ve also shared stages with the likes of Ozomatli, Aterciopelados, Jungle Fire, Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Meridian Brothers, Sudan Archives and Allah-Las. 2018’s Suelta EP was recorded with Black Pumas‘ founder Adrian Quesada, 2019’s Cumbealo EP was record with Spoon‘s Jim Eno, and their full-length debut, the recently released Renaceré was recorded with Grupo Fantasma’s, Caramelo Haze’s and Money Chicha‘s Beto Martinez. Renaceré translates into English as “I will be reborn” and thematically, the album’s material touches upon rebirth resilience and the cyclical nature of life through the lens of their unique take on Colombian Roots fusion, which owes as much to Africa and the Americas, as it does to Colombia — and the bandmembers’ Colombian heritage. According to the band’s Jamie Ospina, “This record is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit and life. We all went through hard times in the last 4 years but here we are; breathing, singing, dancing and what not.” Nicolás adds, “The cycle of life and the concept of rebirth play heavily into the theme of the record. Many ups and downs happened during this period, for the band and society as a whole, but ultimately we came out of the process stronger, like a blade forged in the flames.” The album’s recording process spanned several years, beginning just before COVID-19 lockdowns and concluding earlier this year. Most of the album was recorded at Beto Martinez’s Lechehouse Music, where Martinez captured the sounds and textures of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast with gaita flue and tambor alegre. “We also use the Bombardino (Euphonium) on many tunes. It is commonly used in Colombian Cumbia arrangements but is not as common stateside,” the band says. Additional recording took place at Public Hi-Fi with Spoon’s Jim Eno and Electric Deluxe with Aaron Glemboski. Renaceré latest single “La Verdad” is a lush and strutting bit of psychedelic cumbia anchored around buzzing and twinkilng keys, shuffling rhythms, expressive horn bursts paired with an incredibly catchy hook and chorus. The song’s narrator tells a tale about a juglar (a troubadour) searching for his lost love and losing his mind. Ultimately, the song — and its narrator — suggests that those who are deemed crazy often hold the truth.

[ghanatrails]

Journey Beyond the Return: Unveiling Ghana's Rich Culture.

In 2019, the world witnessed a momentous event – the "Year of Return" – which marked 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade began. This initiative drew visitors from around the globe to Ghana, a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage and significant role in the African diaspora. At Best Ghana Tours, we believe that there's more to explore beyond the surface level. In this post, we'll embark on a journey to unveil the depths of Ghana's culture, delving into the customs, beliefs, and practices that make this nation a true gem of West Africa.

Ghana's cultural heritage is a treasure trove of vibrant traditions, each with its own unique story to tell. From the colorful Kente cloth, Fugu to the rhythmic beats of Highlife music, every aspect of Ghanaian life is infused with tradition. Our tours take you on a journey through the heart of Ghana, where you'll discover the warmth of the Ghanaian people and the richness of their heritage.

Ghana is home to numerous ancient kingdoms, each with its own unique history and cultural significance. The Ashanti Kingdom, for example, is renowned for its opulent gold jewelry and vibrant Kente cloth. Our tours take you on a journey through the ancient kingdoms, where you'll uncover the secrets of Ghana's rich cultural heritage.

Ghana is a nation that loves to celebrate, with numerous festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The Akwasidae festival, for instance, honors the ancestors and the Akan people's rich heritage. Our tours ensure that you're immersed in these celebrations across the country, allowing you to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Ghanaian traditions firsthand.

Ghanaian cuisine is a fusion of flavors, with dishes like Jollof rice, Fufu, Tuo Zaafi, Red Red (Beans & Plantain) and Banku showcasing the nation's culinary prowess. Our tours introduce you to the local markets, where you'll discover the freshest ingredients and learn the secrets of traditional Ghanaian cooking.

Ghanaians are renowned for their warm hospitality, and at @bestghanatours we ensure that you feel at home. Our expert guides will take you on a journey through the nation's history, culture, and traditions, providing unparalleled insights into the Ghanaian way of life.

Ghana is more than just a destination – it's a journey into the heart of African culture. At Best Ghana Tours, we're dedicated to providing an immersive experience that goes beyond the surface level. Join us on a journey "Beyond the Return" and discover the authentic Ghanaian culture that awaits you.

[dry-valleys]

The sky is always blue in Buxton. Brian Clarke.

Slight return to Buxton well dressing (please see here for 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023).

As well as enjoying the wells, park and pavilion, this was the first time I had seen the statue of William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire, whose vast landholdings spread out from his home at Chatsworth, and who founded (and got back more than his investment from) the modern town.

After that family is named (4) Cavendish Arcade, a hip & happening shopping centre which was built on the site of an old baths in 1985. The building was built by Henry Currey in 1852-53 and is still standing, now with a new use.

The artist Brian Clarke aimed to “soak the area below in a deep colour with highlights of orange and gold to achieve the fusion of both art and architecture” and as you can see this was a great success!

The festival is on until the carnival on 13 July 2024, so at the time of writing (8 July) there is still time to seek it out, or if not you can join me at the 2025 well dressing, or go to the time any time you want to bathe in those colours.

[xprojectrpg]

This Day in X-Project - May 13

2015: Garrison is challenged by Felicia. Tandy goes looking for Hope A., they talk and end up going shopping. Molly posts the new Supergirl trailer to her journal. Warren sends gift to Matt. Warren neglects Felicia and sends Matt to have lunch with her instead, where they get to know each other and plot to get back at Warren.

2016: Maya posts a link to an article about how deaf people don’t need new communication tools, everyone else does. Sue posts an equally cryptic message to her journal for whomever left her the flowers. Warren discovers Miles in a compromising position and offers him some useful but asked for advice. Warren makes a journal entry musing about his recent interesting-in-you’re-probably-on-some-kind-of-a-list-now way search results.

2017: John posts about having burned down his cabin and needing to rebuild it. Sooraya and Rogue enjoy an evening out. Molly posts about the mooner at the Eurovision Song Festival. Case File: Cat Scratch Fever Reports of a hostage situation appear on Twitter; Alex’s and Lorna’s simple day of errands comes to an end when they get caught up in a bank robbery; Alex posts about having XFI helping the hostage taker find his visibly mutant son.

2018: Maya is done with how weird the mansion is. Bobby and Clint meet up the kitchen and combine their respective hobbies. Bobby and Miles have their first date. Gabriel texts Bobby asking about the date. Clint texts Topaz to ask if she’s out of school yet. Molly ambushes Topaz with good news.

2019: Fear in the Dark: Marie-Ange is continuing to have issues with random ravens.

2020: Marie-Ange emails X-Force to inform of the new addition to the team.

2021:

2022:

2023: Marie-Ange repeats Jean-Phillipe’s Eurovision invitation. Forge emails Clint about a successful nuclear fusion ignition in Livermore.

[pontiobangor]

CWMWL TYSTION III / EMPATHY

Tomos Williams, gives us an insight below to the Cwmwl Tystion project...

Expect a combination of folk and jazz melodies in this original work called Cwmwl Tystion III / Empathy. I’m really looking forward to performing in Pontio with Mared Williams and Eädyth Crawford. Their voices are very powerful, and they give so much of their personality in each song so expect something totally different from them. I am truly excited to share the stage with two of the youngest most creative and powerful voices of Wales.

Melvin Gibbs is a giant on the base. He’s coming over from Brooklyn, New York specifically for this tour, and I can’t quite believe that he has agreed to travel Wales as part of ‘Cwmwl Tystion III / Empathy’. He is a ‘legend’ within the music scene in New York and the wider area. He was a bass guitar player with Henry Rollins’s band back in the 90s when the band played all of Britain’s biggest festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading at the time, but he has also played with the greats of the jazz world such as Ornette Coleman, Bill Frisell, Dave Douglas, and John Zorn.

Now he’s a member of the triad called ‘Harriet Tubman’ – power trio, or avant-rock triad (which includes, guitar, bass, and drums only) and is considered as one of the world’s best bands. This band’s heavy music has been a great influence on me when I started to think about the project ‘Cwmwl Tystion’ and writing new jazz which has strong influences from Welsh history. Therefore, it’s incredible to think that Melvin Gibbs is coming over to join the band and tour Wales. You’ll never have seen or heard a bassist that sounds quite like Melvin – he uses a range of electronic pedals to create a completely unique sound.

Nguyên Lê was born in France but his roots are in Vietnam. He is a ‘monster’ on the guitar and is world-famous. He is known as a ‘world fusion’ guitarist who has combined influences of Vietnam music with rock/electric guitar like Jimi Hendrix. He is also a virtuoso and a miracle. I have seen him live several times – in Brecon Jazz Festival and in London and he’s a unique performer. His solos take you to the heights – “transcendental” as they say. I can’t wait to hear Nguyên accompanying Mared and Eädyth’s voices and then playing solos over Welsh folk melodies. Hearing the combination of Welsh folk music, jazz and world music in his hands will be a very special experience.

Usually, I will be composing new work for Cwmwl Tystion III – “Yr Empathy Suite’ –combining Welsh folk melodies, with jazz and rock, and referring to some events of our history as a nation: The Welsh Not, The Coal Miner’s Strike, Aberfan disaster and the music will respond and reflect on these events. Mark O’Connor will be on the drums and Simon Proffitt’s visual arts will complement each performance.  

This will be the third and the last in my series ‘Cwmwl Tystion’. The first, Cwmwl Tystion / Witness toured back in 2019 – a CD was released from that tour in 2021 and the album was chosen for the ‘Best Welsh Album of the year’s shortlist. Then in 2021 the second chapter Cwmwl Tystion II / Riot! went on tour just before the lockdown period came to an end at the end of 2021. A CD of the music was then released last year and that composement was nominated for Ivor Novello’s composing prise. Therefore, this is the third and last chapter. I feel as if a trilogy is well suited – each band has been completely different for each chapter. Mark O’Connor on the drums and Simon Proffitt but the live visual art has been with me since the beginning, and Eädyth Crawford toured with Cwmwl Tystion II, but other than that the artists within the band change each time – which is very exciting and offers opportunities to work with very special artists such as Melvin Gibbs and Nguyên Lê.

Cwmwl Tystion III / Empathy will open the tour at Pontio, Bangor on Thursday 30 May, 7.30pm. Tickets available now at pontio.co.uk

[littlemixdaily]

Fusion Festival 2019: Day 3 in Liverpool, England - September 1, 2019