By Peter Makinde on 22/08/2011
bankrutcy, banks, books, paul broderick
Book Reviews

Hackney’s rich history has many aspects, but it is particularly feted for two things: being London’s revolutionary corner and its importance as an artistic hub. Often, these two collide and have provided many high points in Hackney’s cultural palette, especially its literary output. The best known of today’s Hackney literati is Ian Sinclair, a beacon […]
By Peter Makinde on 21/05/2010
Dalston, Live Music

Regular listeners to Radio One’s Gilles Peterson Show will no doubt be familiar with tonight’s special feature at Dalston’s The Vortex. Hotly-tipped production duo Twin Cities will be hosting a launch party to mark the release of their debut double A-side ‘Raincloud/Anticipation’. Hailed as the ”Sunsoaked Daft Punk of R&B”, Twin Cities is a collaboration between critically-acclaimed beatmeisters Guynamite and Analog Jones, luminaries of the broken beat […]
By Peter Makinde on 14/05/2010
Photography Exhibitions
Art Exhibitions, Interviews

Martin Lau is a London-based photographer and filmmaker who works frequently in Hackney. His most recent subject, Covered City, is currently on display at the NO:ID gallery in Whitechapel HH – Tell us what inspired Covered City? ML – Walking through Fitzrovia, I came across a shrouded development. The district is undergoing a rebranding as ‘NoHo’ [which […]
By Peter Makinde on 10/05/2010
brazen bunch, dalston, vortex outdoor festival, zarif
Feature, Festival Guide, Interviews

One of the U.K’s fastest rising music acts, singer-songwriter Zarif is receiving much critical acclaim for her infectiously edgy and versatile pop and her energetic live shows and has been hailed by Elle Magazine and the News of the World as a major talent and described by The Guardian as “the next big thing in British soul”.
By Peter Makinde on 07/05/2010
lonesome cowboys, luxury goods festival, the courtyard theatre
Entertainment, Live Music, Music Reviews

Lonesome Cowboys From Hell Luxury Goods Festival The Courtyard Theatre, Pitfield St Friday 30th April 2010 Words: Peter Makinde Images: Martin Lau Taking the stage like zombie roadkill from a Jonah Hex comic, LCFH are one the most unusual Country acts you’re ever likely to encounter. It’s Americana, but not as you might expect. There’s […]
By Peter Makinde on 07/05/2010
anatolia bar, comedy, comedy bin, mare st
Comedy, Local Events

The weekly rotating comedy club serves up another broad array of the finest up-and-coming acts. Catch them at 3 different venues near you.
By Peter Makinde on 22/04/2010
anatolia bar, comedy, live entertainment, Stand up comedy
Comedy, Feature

With the apparent demise of the Hackney Empire as a hub for emerging and established talent you may be forgiven for thinking laughter in the heart of the borough was at an end. While that venue’s renowned New Act of the Year contest seeks a new home, several other platforms for stand up comedy are springing up […]
By Peter Makinde on 19/04/2010
Anarchistwood, country dirt, hungry and the haunted, lonesome cowboys, no:id, rude mechanicals, Saddam & The Lookalikes, stoke newington, the others
Entertainment, Live Music, Music Reviews

Friday 16th-Saturday 17th April 2010 The Others, Stoke Newington Those in search of great music in N16 were well-catered for this weekend. Held at the appropriately named The Others venue on Manor Road, this year’s No:ID Festival showcased over 16 class acts that left your correspondent lost for categorization (though by god I’ll try) and […]