There are some people who simply don’t like the notion of bands ‘battling’. “That’s not what music is about”… “Music isn’t a competition” etc… Well, we agree to an extent with both of these statements, but we could also argue that local music is about playing great gigs in front loads of people, developing a ...

Year on year the Dorset Music Awards has grown to the point where now, it would appear the Bournemouth O2 Academy is required as the venue for the final. The 500 capacity Royal Bath Hotel reached its limit in no time this year, so next year’s event will see its climax held in the grand, ...

Bournemouth has a new bar. Another new bar. Now we wouldn’t usually bother with an opening night review or feature, but Smokin’ Aces, a new Cocktail Bar & Whisky Lounge comes with a “Rock n Roll twist”. The music will also come courtesy of Devils Music, long established locally as organisers and promoters of quality ...

The reason why escapes why me, but we managed to miss what many people described as the local event of 2009 – the Bournemouth Ink Tattoo Convention at The Opera House (now 02 Academy). This year sees the event build on last year’s success, with a move to the BIC and an array of entertainment ...

With Champions an imminent distant mental affliction, and Oxjam very much at the forefront of a newfound positivity, it feels good to be out again. Doing a job that nullifies your enjoyment of the very thing that brings you the most pleasure is ludicrous. “That must be a tough gig” someone said to me recently. ...