Season 3 of FashionMist's annual London exhibition and showcase  is here. Fashionmist’s aim is to showcase on one platform emerging designers of African origin who reflect the continent’s creativity and the use of African textiles in their products to infuse it with a modern flair. FashionMist seeks to create a network for the designers to interact and inspire all Fashionista’s in attendance.

FashionMist will take place in two parts, an exhibition during the day and a fashion showcase in the evening. The event will be held from 12.00 till late at Hotel Russell and will be open to the general public. There will be an array of designers exhibiting on the day, these include Kizmet Designer Jewellery, Gita’s Portal, House of Loulee, Arhin Armah, Ayikai Couture, Heritage and lots more! YouTube makeup guru Chanel Boateng (www.chanelboateng.com) will also be hosting a seminar consisting of a combination of her YouTube tutorials, beauty and style tips as well as some insight into how she got started in the industry.

Our Fashion showcase will be a ticketed event and will feature a selection of designers showcasing their newest collection as well as entertainment. Confirmed labels include; Wusuwaah’s Diary, Kolture Apparel, Sa4a, N’kya designs, Triballery, Sarfo, M.A.F.Couture, Ms Ray Couture, Afriqan Apeiron and A’Cote Collections.

Hosted by our ambassador, model Rachel Williams and comedian A-Dot and with entertainment  provided by Twi Teacher and a host of others, 2013's FashionMist is most definitely an event not to be missed!

FashionMist also hope to raise funds for chosen charity W.A.M (What About Me!), www.wamcampaign.org. W.A.M  is an initiative aimed at providing young people with exciting creative platforms to contribute to the lives of orphans and vulnerable children living in Ghana. Raffles will be held throughout the day with proceeds going to the charity. Labels such as Beautella will be providing raffle prizes.

www.fashionmist-online.com

THE HOT DEETS
When? Saturday 1 June, Exhibition: 12.00 - 5.00pm Fashion Showcase: 7.00pm till late
Where? Hotel Russell, Russell Square, London, WC1B 5BE
How Much? Tickets are priced at and can be purchased via www.fashionmist.eventbrite.co.uk

LIMBO premiered at the Adelaide Festival in February before heading straight to London where it headlines the five-month long London Wonderground Festival from the 10 May to 29 September.

Presented in the magnificent 1920s inspired Spiegeltent, LIMBO is full of cult couture from a cast of international performers. Music will be a dominating force of the production with New York’s Sxip Shirey composing exclusive music for the show with his ecstatic melodies, irreverent electric-acoustic noise and playful, sexy beats. He will be joined by musicians Grant Arthur and Mick Stuart.

Scott Maidment, Director of LIMBO and Strut & Fret commented:

“I’m really excited to bring together this international array of renowned performers and outstanding technical minds to present a thrillingly unique hour of illusion and fun. It’s a delight to be able to share this new production with London audiences after its sell out opening season in Australia".

UK illusionist Paul Kieve (Harry Potter, Matilda the Musical, Hugo) will bring mind- blowing theatrical illusions to the production to sit alongside Coney Island’s sword swallower and vintage beauty, Heather Holliday, Canadian Aerialist Evelyne Allard, American acrobat, aerialist, and film stunt Jonathan Nosan, Europe’s gravity-defying Chinese pole master and beatboxer Mikael Bres and Australia’s acrobatic dancing sensation Hilton Denis and hand balancer Danik Abishev. Welcome to an exotic illogical world, where peculiar characters wait on the edge of false awakening. With the whisper of spirits and domination, illusion, suspension; LIMBO is boundless.

London Wonderground is the brainchild of Underbelly and Southbank Centre and is jointly presented by both organisations. An amusement ground for the capital, London Wonderground brings a taste of early 20th Century Coney Island to the South Bank situated on the transformed coach park between the Royal Festival Hall and the London Eye.

London Wonderground is part of Southbank Centre’s Festival of Neighbourhood with MasterCard  and runs this summer from 4 May to 8 September. The festival will celebrate neighbourhood in all its meanings and explore what it is to have and be a neighbour. Communities who live close by and partners from across the UK and abroad will participate in creating the festival – from nearby Elephant and Castle in South London to young people from Pelhourino in Salvador, Brazil – with a diverse programme of events including poetry, discussion, visual arts, performance and art installations across Southbank Centre’s 21-acre site. For more info on London Wonderground's full event schedule head to www.londonwonderground.co.uk

Jude Kelly, Artistic Director of Southbank Centre, said: "We are thrilled to welcome back London Wonderground, including the beautiful Spiegeltent, to Southbank Centre this summer, as part of our site-wide Festival of Neighbourhood with MasterCard.  Alongside LIMBO and other circus and cabaret shows, we will be presenting events including poetry, exhibitions, performances, discussion and art installations created with local, national and international communities.” 

THE HOT DEETS
Where? London Wonderground, Jubilee Gardens, off Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
When? 10 May – 29 September. Performance Times: 7.15pm Tues - Sun, 3pm Sat Matinees, 9pm performances (INSTEAD of 7.15pm) on 4, 5 & 6 September
How Much? Tickets start from £10 and are available from www.udderbelly.co.uk or by calling 0844 545 8282

Image Credit: David Solm

I also had the pleasure of speaking to creator of the pedal powered cinema, Colin Tonks - somewhat of a revolutionary in my opinion. 3 bikes, a power supply and a large screen are the main components that make the Electric Pedals device. Whilst spinning to generate the required voltage I spoke at length to Colin about how the creation could potentially change the lives of so many people in the developing world. The idea is catching on fast and generating interest across the globe. So much so that Sir David Attenborough will be working with Colin to promote the apparatus at an upcoming charity event. Hit up http://electricpedals.com for more info on this game changing apparatus.

All that pedaling made me peckish so I strolled on over to Jimmy's Underground Bike Bistro, www.jgarciacatering.com. This young entrepreneur/ chef has recently opened two restaurants in London, and it's clear to see why. With a vast array of roast dishes that paid tribute to the cycling world, it's no wonder attendees kept on coming back for more.

For the competitive types out there, you would have loved the Rollapaluza. Essentially it's a 30 second sprint on static bikes where 2 people go head to head to see who can cover the most distance in the given time. The Rollapaluza has been used by various Olympic cyclists and has featured on a large number of game shows, such as Celebrity Juice.

Overall it was a good show, so if you missed it this year, make sure to pedal on over next year. The only disappointment for me was not  seeing the Frame Works - Bike Lab. I would have witnessed a bike being built from scratch but it seems the mechanic overindulged in a few alcoholic beverages and was deemed unfit to perform his technical duties! The word LEGENDARY springs to mind! ROTFL!

http://spinldn.com

Words: Tunde O/ @MrT_MrSports • Images: Yu Fujiwara & Spin London

A Southbank Centre commission created by Kate Prince

Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, 10 August – 1 September 2013 

Kate Prince and her award-winning dance company ZooNation return to London's Southbank Centre following their 2010 hit show Into The Hoods with the world premiere of Groove on Down the Road (10 – 31 August 2013). The company behind Some Like It Hip Hop give their unique twist to the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, which comes to the Queen Elizabeth Hall as part of Southbank Centre’s Festival of Neighbourhood with MasterCard.

Kate Prince said: "Working with the ZooNation Academy of Dance is the highlight of my week. I oversee their training every Saturday and they never fail to amaze me with how much they know and are capable of at such a young age. They have been born into an environment where access to hip hop dance and culture is at the simple touch of a button and they are saturated with information. As a result they are a whole new breed of dancers who have a raw, authentic and fearless skill and passion for dance. They give our adult company a run for their money! We better watch our backs." 

Set in a fantastical urban world, ZooNation’s Groove On Down The Road tells the story of Dorothy and her adventures with Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion on their journey to Oz. The audience join Dorothy, complete with ruby sneakers, and friends in this hip-hop dance production as they follow the yellow brick road in a quest to find happiness and family.

Written and directed by Kate Prince and commissioned by Southbank Centre, the production will include music from the 1978 film The Wiz, re-mixed with current hits by DJ Walde. The Wiz starred Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, with Quincy Jones overseeing the film’s music adaptation including the tracks Ease On Down The Road and You Can’t Win. The film celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.

The cast of Groove On Down The Road is made up of young dancers from across the UK, all under the age of 19, showcasing the exceptional talent of ZooNation’s next generation of dancers. The role of Dorothy will be shared by two 11-year old dancers, Arizona Snow and Portia Oti.

ZooNation’s Groove On Down The Road forms part of Southbank Centre’s Festival of Neighbourhood with MasterCard.

THE HOT DEETS
When? 10 August – 1 September, times vary please check website for details
Where? Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
How Much? Tickets start from £10 and are available from www.southbankcentre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0844 847 9910

Adrian Lester plays the title role, with Rory Kinnear as Iago; the full cast is: Jonathan Bailey (Cassio),Sandy Batchelor, Adam Berry, David Carr, William Chubb, Robert Demeger, Jonathan Dryden Taylor, Gabriel Fleary, Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi, Scott Karim, Rory Kinnear (Iago), David Kirkbride, Adrian Lester (Othello), Lyndsey Marshal (Emilia), Tom Radford, Tom Robertson, Nick Sampson, Chook Sibtain, Rebecca Tanwen, Olivia Vinall (Desdemona) and Joseph Wilkins.

Othello, newly married to Desdemona who is half his age, is appointed leader of a military operation to defend Cyprus from the Turks. Iago, his ensign, passed over for promotion in favour of young Cassio, persuades Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair.

Adrian Lester, an NT Associate, was last seen at the National in the title role of Nicholas Hytner’s production of Henry V. His theatre work also includes Red Velvet at the Tricycle Theatre (2012 Critics’ Circle Best Actor Award), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (West End), Company (Donmar Warehouse, Olivier Award), the title role in Peter Brook’s production of Hamlet (Paris/international tour) and Rosalind in Cheek by Jowl’s As You Like It. His  screen work includes five series of the BBC’s Hustle. 

Rory Kinnear’s work for the National includes The Last of the Haussmans, the title role in Hamlet (also directed by Nicholas Hytner; Evening Standard Best Actor Award), Burnt by the Sun, The Revenger’s Tragedy, Philistines and The Man of Mode (Olivier and Ian Charleson Awards). His film and TV work includes Black Mirror: The National Anthem, Skyfall, Quantum of Solace, Count Arthur Strong and  Margaret Thatcher – The Long Walk to Finchley.

Since he became Director of the National in April 2003, Nicholas Hytner has directed Henry V, His Dark Materials, The History Boys, Stuff Happens, Henry IV, Southwark Fair, The Alchemist, The Man of Mode, The Rose Tattoo (with Steven Pimlott), Rafta, Rafta… , Much Ado About Nothing, Major Barbara, England People Very Nice, Phèdre, The Habit of Art, London Assurance, Hamlet, Collaborators, Travelling Light, One Man Two Guvnors, Timon of Athens, People and Cocktail Sticks.

OTHELLO will be broadcast to cinemas worldwide as part of National Theatre Live on 26 September 2013.

THE HOT DEETS
When? 16 April - 18 August

Where? Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX

How Much? Tickets are priced from £12 and are available from www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/othello or by calling 020 7452 3000 

The biggest event dedicated to the UK Natural Hair scene is back! Are you ready?

Following on from their explosive debut last year, Curvolution are back to continue their reign as the biggest London event dedicated to the UK Natural hair scene. Their annual soiree, ‘Curlfriend’s Day Out’ will return for its second year at the contemporary Crown Plaza Hotel, Docklands, on Saturday 25th May 2013.

The event is sponsored by ORS (formerly Organic Root Stimulator), Beautiful Textures, Design Essentials and hosted by the infectious motivational speaker ‘Action Jackson’. NEW for 2013, will be a special guest appearance from Dr Hair ‘Reginald Mitchell’, distinguished educator for leading hair care system ORS. The day includes a live natural hair catwalk show styled by the team at the renowned UK salon Darren Scott, top makeup artist and styling guru ‘Pamper Corner’ with nail and beauty bar, seminars and workshop programmes.

Also live at the show and in the UK for the VERY first time will be the fabulous ‘Afrobella – the celebrated natural hair blogger from Chicago, USA.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a day of shopping, sampling and networking with over 25 vendors and 500+ natural hair and beauty enthusiasts from across the UK and Europe.

Curlfriend’s Day Out 2012 welcomed 300 plus visitors confirming its status as the UK industry’s flagship event. Curlfriend’s Day Out 2013 is not only highly anticipated, but set to be even more fabulous, uplifting and educational; providing a perfect day for lovers of natural hair and beauty to come together to share ideas and get inspired.

THE HOT DEETS
When? Saturday 25 May, 11.00am - 7.00pm
Where? Crown Plaza Hotel London Docklands, Royal Victoria Dock  Western Gateway, London E16 1AL
How Much? Tickets priced at £15 each (early bird and group tickets are now sold out) and are available at Curvolution.com.

Twitter: @Curlvolution #Curlvolution2013 / Facebook: Curlvolution UK

Tweet’s musical career began in the 90's, although she is known for the success of her debut album "Southern Hummingbird" released in 2002. The album included the chart-topping single “Oops Oh My” which was produced by Timbaland and featured guest vocals by Missy Elliott. The single  reached number five in the UK charts and achieved similar success in the U.S. setting light to Tweet’s musical career as a R&B artist.

Tweet will play two dates with a full supporting band at London’s Jazz Café on Saturday 25 May &  Sunday’s 26 May! Tickets are priced at £22.50 and available here

We have a pair of HOT tickets up for grabs to the lucky person who can answer this easy question: What year was Tweet’s album Southern Hummingbird released?

Email your answer to competitions@hotminute.co.uk Please note by entering this competition you automatically subscribe to our HOTmailing list.

All entrants must be available to attend the event on either Saturday 25 May or Sunday 26 May. The competition closing date is Wednesday 22 May and the winner will be drawn at random on Thursday 23 May so keep a look out for a Hotminute email in your inbox - it will have all the details on how to pick up your tickets on the day! For full HOT comp entry guidelines click here.

For one night only check out HOT comedy from two top comics from the U.S.A. Eddie Griffin and Tony Rock will be live at the O2 Academy Brixton this August!

Aeon Das in association with Choice FM proudly present the biggest comedy show of the year featuring the man rated as one of Comedy Central’s Top 100 Greatest Stand-ups of all time “Eddie Griffin” alongside your “favourite comedians favourite comedian-Tony Rock” who will be making his highly anticipated first appearance on UK soil at the O2 Academy Brixton on Saturday 24 August. The show will be hosted by Choice FM’s Kojo and features acts by rising stars on the urban comedy circuit A.Dot Comedian and Axel.

Griffin has appeared in over 47 films including Double Take, John Q alongside Denzel Washington, Undercover Brother, Armageddon, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo & Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo and Scary Movie 3 to name a few! He is widely known for his award winning Comedy Stand-up Special “Dysfunktional Family” which he starred, wrote and executive produced. Eddie also performed on the film’s soundtrack with Snoop Dogg, Dr.Dre & Tupac.  His most recent stand up comedy special "YOU CAN TELL ‘EM I SAID IT" premiered on Comedy Central on February 19 2011 to critical acclaim.

Tony Rock (younger brother of Chris Rock) is the host of the newly revamped legendary talent show “Apollo Live”, and a recently added series regular on BET’s “Reed Between the Lines”. Comedian and actor Tony Rock continues to prove his exceptional star talents with his roles in the hit TV shows “Everybody Hates Chris” & Will Smith & Jada Smith’s series for UPN “All of Us”. Tony also found comfort on the big screen, playing roles in movies such as Will Smith’s “Hitch”, “Think Like A Man”, “Three Can Play That Game” and “Life Support” with Queen Latifah.

Tony has gained a domestic and international presence; performing across USA, he is a regular at the Gotham Comedy Club, The Comic Strip, Comedy Cellar and when in LA he is a regular at The Comedy Store, The Comedy Union, and The Laugh Factory.

The HOT Deets
What? Eddie Griffin & Tony Rock “Hilarious”
When? Saturday 24 August 2013
Where? O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, Brixton
SW9 9SL London.

Doors open 7pm – show time 8pm
How much? Tickets priced from £44 available here