Basingstoke is the new home of country music

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
24th November 2006.


Basingstoke is the new home of country music

On Wednesday 29th November, a Basingstoke venue is hosting a celebratory party, to which everyone is invited, to celebrate its key role in the recent launch of a new country music radio station across Europe, CMR Nashville Radio at http://www.cmrnashville.net/

The Academy in Worting Road already hosts a weekly Country Music Night every Wednesday evening. The DJ is country radio & TV presenter Lee Williams who established the original CMR Nashville radio station in the US with leading country personality Ted Randall.

Lee has now brought to life a new European station broadcasting on the internet 24 hours a day at ww.cmrnashville.net and is syndicated through Australian and Greek country music stations. His Wednesday show at The Academy is broadcast on the following Sunday evening.

CMR Nashville is broadcasting online from its various studios in Nashville, London, Ireland and Australia. Now, a new studio is being constructed at The Academy in the style of a coffee lounge so that guests on the show can be interviewed in the relaxed atmosphere of Basingstoke’s premier family entertainment venue. Shows will be recorded in this new studio and customers of The Academy will be able to see what is going on. Their new lunchtime show will go out live from The Academy on weekdays and record labels will be encouraged to bring new artists down to the venue to be broadcast live on air.

As Lee explained: “Every programme has a leading DJ (presenter) with every style of country music being featured including Today’s Country, Traditional, Bluegrass, Americana, Alt Country, Irish Country, Classic Country, and Country music from around the world.”
But one big attraction will be the facility to view the shows being broadcast via a webcam being set up in The Academy’s new studio.

CMR Nashville claims to host the most informative web site for country music outside the USA. Visitors to the site can read the latest news from the world of country music on a daily basis with the latest CD releases, artists’ news, tours, festivals, media, and in fact anything about country music. The Ranch is a free membership area, for another experience whilst visiting the site. As a member, visitors have many benefits including a forum to talk to other members around the world, take part in competitions and receive regular newsletters about CMR Nashville with special opportunities and discounts plus so much more.

The Academy is hosting a special launch party this coming Wednesday, 29th November, to celebrate their new relationship with CMR Nashville and the public are invited!

Henry Smith’s Country Dreams Band, probably the top UK country music band, will appear live on stage and Lee Williams will be dee-jaying from 8pm to midnight. The show will be broadcast live on http://www.cmrnashville.net/ as it happens so at least everyone has the chance to listen in. Admission is only £5 and is for over 18’s only.

There will be some special guests from the world of country music in the venue, to wish the station well with its new venture, and to support the development of The Academy as the regional centre for country music. These include some top celebrities including Dave Sheriff, recently nominated at The Radio Awards and whose new album is already topping the country charts, and the beautiful Rachael Warwick who was a massive hit at the International Country Music Festival.

But Lee is delighted to say that there is one very special guest – Cathy McManamon – “Anita” from the smash hit West End & touring show “Girls Night Out”. Not because she is bringing along her brother, a leading light with The Pogues, but because Cathy has kindly agreed to share her passion for country music by singing her forthcoming record release live on stage! Why the Basingstoke Academy? As Lee explained: “The venue’s claim to be the regional home of country music has some credibility. With acts like Henry Smith, Easy-Rider coming in December and even down to having the legendary George Hamilton IV appearing next year, I do not know of any venue like it. CMR Nashville are proud to be associated with The Academy and will do all it can to support them. Next year will be an exciting one for country music in the south of England and The Academy will be at the very heart of it.”

Full details of forthcoming events are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning John Hicks, General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.

ENDS


Note to Editors
There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Further details of CMR Nashville Radio can be found at http://www.cmrnashville.net/ or contact Lee Williams 07956 888587 lee@cmrnashville.net


PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Join Lee Williams and his special guests at The Academy at 8pm on Wednesday 29th November for photographs and to enjoy the show courtesy of The Academy. RSVP to John Hicks.

Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

From “wild thing” to angry man - Pete Staples releases Iraq War protest song

From “wild thing” to angry man!
by John Hicks
Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR

I attended a charity fundraising event for BBC Children In Need (“Pudsey Bear” campaign) at The Academy Basingstoke at the weekend and who should come on stage but the legendary Pete Staples.

Pete was guitarist with THE TROGGS whose international hits of the 1960’s, songs such as “Wild Thing” and “Love is all around” (featured in the award-winning film “Love Actually”), are still massive favourites on the dance floor today.

Music is still Pete’s passion and he spends much of his time penning new songs. His latest song I DON’T KNOW WHY has been recorded by his protege Karen-Ana and he introduced her to an enthusiastic audience at the south of England’s principal 24/7 snooker & pool hall, sports bar, Chinese restaurant and live music venue.

Karen-Ana (pictured with Pete Staples) sang it beautifully but this lovely ballad has a hard edge and may well become an anthem for the anti-Iraq war movement.

So what motivated this “wild thing” of the 60’s to become involved in a war thousands of miles away? This is the question of particular interest to people who know Pete - one of the nicest, gentlest, people in the pop music industry.

As Pete explained: “To be caught up in a war that never seems to end must be one of the most depressing situations imaginable; especially when you were led to believe that the end was in sight.”“This is the plight of the Iraqi people. These thoughts led me to compose this song in sympathy.”“My emotions were intensified last year when I lost both my mother and sister six weeks apart. At the time I was half way through composing a Christmas Carol and I just never had the will to complete it.”

“After watching and listening to all the awful events that the Iraqi people were experiencing and the huge loss of life, it occurred to me, that I had found a ‘home’ for my tune and set about composing the words and completing the song.”“What more can I say, it’s been written with a sense of loss on my part and also in recognition of all the Iraqi people who have also lost their love ones.”“I am proud of the finished product and owe a great deal to Karen-Ana who is one of the finest female singers I have ever heard. Chris Holland’s talent on the arrangement, keyboard and engineering has made for a first class production. This, combined with Andy Jones superb guitar skills, all go together to produce one of the most haunting songs you will ever hear. Iraqi people – my thoughts are with you.”

I DON’T KNOW WHY was released on 20th November in the UK and available as an Internet download on 5th December. Further details are available at www.uniquefeelings.co.uk where a haunting clip of the song can be heard.

So why Basingstoke? Pete explained: “Not only are Karen and I residents of Basingstoke but so are Andy and Chris who is a local teacher. In addition, the recording studios are also located in Basingstoke. There is a huge amount of musical talent in Basingstoke and we chose The Academy to host our launch party because it is a leading live music venue in the region.”

It was fascinating to meet Pete and Karen-Ana; she is a wonderful singer so I am delighted that they have teamed up.

This protest song will have its political dimension but my DJ friends say that they will play it for the melody rather than any message it sends.


This article first appeared in the Los Angeles Chronicle - November 2006

Andy Kyriacou pulls out of world record attempt

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
4th November 2006.



Andy Kyriacou, of 80's pop legends "Modern Romance" (pictured centre), had to retire from his Guinness World Record attempt to set a new continuous drumming record after 12 hours with an injured hip.

Andy's attempt was part of The Academy Basingstoke's fundraising week for Children In Need which includes Yeovil-based DJ, Danny Dee, seeking to set a new 120 dee-jaying marathon record and a pool team trying to break the current record for a pool marathon.

During the course of the attempt, Andy's hip became very sore and he reached a point after 12 hours where, reluctantly, he felt that he could no longer continue.

Andy said: "I am very disappointed, but the pain became too much to handle. I am very grateful to my principal sponsors Yamaha who loaned me some amazing kit, to Dawsons Music for their support and to The Academy Basingstoke."

"On the up side, I have helped The Academy to raise money for Pudsey Bear and I am discussing with Guinness World Records if I have still set a new record as I was playing unrehearsed to music. That will take a while to negotiate so we are in suspense! In the meantime, I hope the good people of Basingstoke will come along to support Danny Dee and the pool record breakers in their terrific efforts to get into the record books whilst raising money for Children In Need" Andy added.

The Academy's fundraising efforts reach a climax on Saturday 18th November at 8pm when Danny should reach his 120-hour goal. After the celebrations, local singer Karen-Ana will launch her new CD written by Pete Staples, formerly of the 60's mega-band The Troggs. Pete and Karen-Ana will then judge a karaoke competition in aid of Children In Need.

Full details are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(www.academyclubs.com).

Further details of Modern Romance can be found at www.modernromance.com

Further details of DJ Danny Dee can be found at www.dannydee.co.uk



Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

Three new World Records to be set at Basingstoke?

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
4th November 2006.


Your chance to be part of world record attempts

The Academy family entertainment centre in Basingstoke is offering its facilities free of charge to individuals, groups and businesses wishing to fundraise for BBC Children In Need this year.

John Hicks, general manager of The Academy said, “We are excited about this opportunity to help people to raise money for Children In Need, a charity close to our heart. We have a unique venue with snooker, pool, sports bar, restaurant, functions room and DJ entertainment and live music, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“We will be pleased to host any stunts or world record attempts in aid of Children In Need during the week of 11 – 18 November 2006. It could be anything from someone wanting to spend time in a bath of baked beans to a team wanting to undertake a marathon dance routine.” added John.

The Academy is already hosting a record-breaking attempt by Andy Kyriacou, lead singer with the 1980’s pop legends “Modern Romance” who had hits with such songs as “Everybody Salsa” and “Best Years of our Lives” which was featured in the movie “Shrek”. Andy will seek to break the existing 84 hour drumming record by drumming for at least 100 hours, and may go on to 120 hours. Sponsored by Yamaha, Andy will have 5 minute breaks every hour but will otherwise drum non-stop with just a few seconds between songs.

Andy’s backing tracks will be provided by another world record contender, DJ Danny D, who is attempting to set a new world record for the longest live DJ performance in a nightclub. Danny will play music and entertain customers continuously for the 120 hours. The existing official Guinness World Record is 87 hours but Danny undertook a 100 hour marathon for charity in 2000.

In addition, The Academy is hosting a pool marathon in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record as club members Micky Piper and Kevin Ward seek to break the present 74 hours and 19 minutes current record.

Club member Aaron Sheridan has also challenged bar supervisor Rob Hall to a pool contest – the best of 499 frames! They will play non-stop starting from Sunday 12th November and the match will last approximately 4 days – without sleep, just 5 minute rest breaks every hour.

Two members of the bar staff, Sinead Galway and Mary Cullen, are doing their bit. They are holding a sponsored sleepover in the venue for five days and five nights during which time they will work in their pyjamas! The have already raised over £250 in sponsorship and are donating their week's wages to Pudsey Bear.

The 7-day long fundraising event for Children In Need starts with a show at The Academy starring “Abba – The Rivals” live on stage, supported by DJ Julie who will be entertaining the audience from 8pm until 2am, with the opportunity to enjoy classics from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and to either chill out or dance the night away on the splendid dance door.

On the Wednesday, Danny will be joined by Country Music Radio & TV Presenter Lee Williams of CMR Nashville Radio for an evening of country music. Danny will continue to spins the discs and Andy will drum along to a different beat to that which he is used to.

On Friday 17th November, Children In Need Day, staff and customers from The Academy will be rattling the bucket in the top of town seeking support from shoppers and town centre workers.

In the evening, The Academy’s usual Friday night over 25’s motown, soul and classics of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s will be continue to be played but with Danny being supported by Resident DJ Ivan Axford.

On Saturday 18th November, all businesses that have undertaken fundraising events are invited to celebrate with a special Pudsey Bear party with live music and a fun karaoke, with local DJ Ivan, with cash prizes to be won. Before the karaoke starts, Pete Staples (bass guitarist with the 60’s superstars THE TROGGS whose hits include “Wild Thing” and “Love Is All Around Us”) will introduce his protégé, Karen Ana, who will perform her new CD release. Pete and Karen will then help judge the competition.

As John explained: “Not only can organisations or individuals use our venue to fundraise, but they can also volunteer as witnesses or first aiders for the world record attempts. We need volunteers across the complete week, day and night. In return, they will participate in setting new world records, help fundraise for Pudsey Bear, maybe meet new people, enjoy some of our superb facilities and each receive a certificate to say they participated in breaking world records. This will be a lot of fun for everyone involved.”

Full details are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(www.academyclubs.com).

Further details of Modern Romance can be found at www.modernromance.com

Further details of DJ Danny Dee can be found at www.dannydee.co.uk



Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com