Christmas Lake of Stars Rich Mix Gig: Let it Snow

The year is drawing to a close so it’s time to reflect on the past twelve months we’ve had at Rich Mix, bringing you fresh, innovative music with a kick of Malawian spirit. To recap; we’ve championed explosive acts such as Tinashe and Afrikan Boy, both clearly making their mark on the British music scene this year, and set to be vinspired Lake of Stars associates for a long time to come.

Tomorrow as we peel away the first day on our advent calendars and begin to gorge ourselves on their sweet goodness, we usher in the start of the festive season. On the 1st December it becomes acceptable to turn up your speakers to Mariah Carey’s dulcet melodies and don the controversial Christmas jumper your Mum knitted for you last Christmas. To celebrate this magical time of our lives in true Lake of Stars fashion, tomorrow night we host our LAST event of the year which sees the ‘Warm heart of Africa’ brought to the snowy streets of Shoreditch. Thawing our frosty souls are Stina and the Soldiers and Holden, offering lilting vocals and warm melodic folk chords as we cosy up against the bleak outdoors.

Of course Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without lots of pressies! So we have organised a variety of different treats for every one of you lovely people attending the night!

Holden have given us an exclusive live track! FREE to download here. From when the band made a mini tour to the The Isles of Scilly.

In The Yard - Live Session by HOLDENofficial


Mulled Wine and Mince Pies will be in abundance tomorrow courtesy of Rich Mix! And you will be able to get a mince pie free when you buy a glass of mulled wine – RESULT!



Christmas Cards and Gifts – Our good friends Ganet’s Adventure School and Mayamiko will have stalls on the night selling goodies for good causes. Ganet’s will be selling Christmas cards whilst Mayamiko will be selling a selection of amazing African print clothing. So bring some money to get some ideal gifts early!



Also going on is the unveiling of video footage from the festival on the plasma screen. You’ll feel yourself warming up and settling in to the beach-side atmosphere with a giant slide show of captivating images from Lake of Stars this October. With Nat King Cole’s soothing vocals drifting through the stereo and the snow-flakes eddying outside the office window, it’s been tough trying to restrain our hearts from overflowing with festive goodwill. So why not unleash your inner Christmas Elf and warm up after work with mulled wine and mince pies before facing the frosty rigmarole that, in simpler times, used to be your commute home.

Let’s set the festive season off with a bang! Join us down at the Rich Mix in Shoreditch from 7pm tomorrow night and we guarantee that you will have that warm fuzzy feeling all the way home.

Christmas Lake of Stars Rich Mix Gig: Let it Snow

The year is drawing to a close so it’s time to reflect on the past twelve months we’ve had at Rich Mix, bringing you fresh, innovative music with a kick of Malawian spirit. To recap; we’ve championed explosive acts such as Tinashe and Afrikan Boy, both clearly making their mark on the British music scene this year, and set to be vinspired Lake of Stars associates for a long time to come.

Tomorrow as we peel away the first day on our advent calendars and begin to gorge ourselves on their sweet goodness, we usher in the start of the festive season. On the 1st December it becomes acceptable to turn up your speakers to Mariah Carey’s dulcet melodies and don the controversial Christmas jumper your Mum knitted for you last Christmas. To celebrate this magical time of our lives in true Lake of Stars fashion, tomorrow night we host our LAST event of the year which sees the ‘Warm heart of Africa’ brought to the snowy streets of Shoreditch. Thawing our frosty souls are Stina and the Soldiers and Holden, offering lilting vocals and warm melodic folk chords as we cosy up against the bleak outdoors.

Of course Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without lots of pressies! So we have organised a variety of different treats for every one of you lovely people attending the night!

Holden have given us an exclusive live track! FREE to download here. From when the band made a mini tour to the The Isles of Scilly.

In The Yard - Live Session by HOLDENofficial


Mulled Wine and Mince Pies will be in abundance tomorrow courtesy of Rich Mix! And you will be able to get a mince pie free when you buy a glass of mulled wine – RESULT!



Christmas Cards and Gifts – Our good friends Ganet’s Adventure School and Mayamiko will have stalls on the night selling goodies for good causes. Ganet’s will be selling Christmas cards whilst Mayamiko will be selling a selection of amazing African print clothing. So bring some money to get some ideal gifts early!



Also going on is the unveiling of video footage from the festival on the plasma screen. You’ll feel yourself warming up and settling in to the beach-side atmosphere with a giant slide show of captivating images from Lake of Stars this October. With Nat King Cole’s soothing vocals drifting through the stereo and the snow-flakes eddying outside the office window, it’s been tough trying to restrain our hearts from overflowing with festive goodwill. So why not unleash your inner Christmas Elf and warm up after work with mulled wine and mince pies before facing the frosty rigmarole that, in simpler times, used to be your commute home.

Let’s set the festive season off with a bang! Join us down at the Rich Mix in Shoreditch from 7pm tomorrow night and we guarantee that you will have that warm fuzzy feeling all the way home.

MOET (Mangochi Orphans Education and Training) is a community based coeducational day school for orphans and vulnerable children. It not only provides primary school education but also practical skills training in a caring environment. The teaching of vocational skills lays a foundation for improving the living quality of all children, whether or not they move on to secondary school. The knowledge of sustainable agriculture taught, which is not dependent on expensive fertilisers, enhances the prospects for maintaining their livelihood. vinspired Lake of Stars is proud to support MOET this year. During the festival, many of the headling acts including Afrikan Boy, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Tinashe and the Noisettes visited the school along with volunteers and festival go-ers. We caught up with vinspired Lake of Stars volunteer Jenny Bowie to find out what happened on the day.

1)    Hi Jenny! Can you tell us a little bit about your trip to MOET?

At the start of the visit, Headteacher Patterson gave a talk on the school’s development and welcomed the visitors. Then, as the children lined up to receive their lunch, we heard from ‘Marys Meals’ (who were providing the lunch) about how they work in Malawi, and across the world, to feed a child on £6 a year. After that impressive statistic, the visitors chatted to the children and teachers, and even tried some of Marys Meals Porridge (very tasty, and nutritious) .

The group then split to take part in different activities, including compost making and tree planting. The children were also enjoying some arts and crafts which included making the infamous Chibuku Shake Shake Hats! Many of the group were extremely touched by the visit to MOET school and meeting the children and teachers. The HIV/Aids crisis in Malawi has lead to large number of orphans. It was amazing to see the great work and dedication of headteacher Patterson and the community to deal with this tragedy, and many of the group felt that they could do more to help the community which lives and works alongside the festival. 

2) How do you feel that the festival coverage has helped the school?

MOET School is a local free primary school for orphans in the Mangochi District, specifically from Chipoka and other villages near the festival site. The school is not state funded or funded by an NGO and therefore relies entirely on individual donations. The Press and Media coverage generated by working with Lake of Stars will hopefully generate an increase in donations to the school. All individuals on the trip, including artists donated gifts such as sports equipment, toiletries and financial donations. Some even took the long term commitment to sponsor a child.
 
3)How important is the voluntary aspect to the school?       

The Voluntary aspect is extremely important to the school. Many of the teachers are volunteers themselves. The school is community run, with community members volunteering to teach sports, debating and so on, depending on their interest. The school also has international volunteers who help with teaching, especially of English. Volunteering is at the heart of Malawian culture; in times of tragedy, the community come together. It is often those who can least afford to, that volunteer their time to help those in need.

4) What can vinspired Lake of Stars fans do to help even further?

Firstly,  visit the FOMOE (Friends of Mangochi Orphan Education) website and facebook page and consider a donation to the school. Secondly, for those who visited, or plan to visit the festival next year, the best way to help the community of Chipoka, and surrounding villages, is to visit, spend time to meet the community. Finally, MOET school is always open for visitors and volunteers, so If your are planning to come to vinspired LOS 2011 and fancy a bit of volunteering beforehand, contact MOET via the website and give a hand.

 

For more information about the trip and what you can do to help please click here.

MOET (Mangochi Orphans Education and Training) is a community based coeducational day school for orphans and vulnerable children. It not only provides primary school education but also practical skills training in a caring environment. The teaching of vocational skills lays a foundation for improving the living quality of all children, whether or not they move on to secondary school. The knowledge of sustainable agriculture taught, which is not dependent on expensive fertilisers, enhances the prospects for maintaining their livelihood. vinspired Lake of Stars is proud to support MOET this year. During the festival, many of the headling acts including Afrikan Boy, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Tinashe and the Noisettes visited the school along with volunteers and festival go-ers. We caught up with vinspired Lake of Stars volunteer Jenny Bowie to find out what happened on the day.

1)    Hi Jenny! Can you tell us a little bit about your trip to MOET?

At the start of the visit, Headteacher Patterson gave a talk on the school’s development and welcomed the visitors. Then, as the children lined up to receive their lunch, we heard from ‘Marys Meals’ (who were providing the lunch) about how they work in Malawi, and across the world, to feed a child on £6 a year. After that impressive statistic, the visitors chatted to the children and teachers, and even tried some of Marys Meals Porridge (very tasty, and nutritious) .

The group then split to take part in different activities, including compost making and tree planting. The children were also enjoying some arts and crafts which included making the infamous Chibuku Shake Shake Hats! Many of the group were extremely touched by the visit to MOET school and meeting the children and teachers. The HIV/Aids crisis in Malawi has lead to large number of orphans. It was amazing to see the great work and dedication of headteacher Patterson and the community to deal with this tragedy, and many of the group felt that they could do more to help the community which lives and works alongside the festival. 

2) How do you feel that the festival coverage has helped the school?

MOET School is a local free primary school for orphans in the Mangochi District, specifically from Chipoka and other villages near the festival site. The school is not state funded or funded by an NGO and therefore relies entirely on individual donations. The Press and Media coverage generated by working with Lake of Stars will hopefully generate an increase in donations to the school. All individuals on the trip, including artists donated gifts such as sports equipment, toiletries and financial donations. Some even took the long term commitment to sponsor a child.
 
3)How important is the voluntary aspect to the school?       

The Voluntary aspect is extremely important to the school. Many of the teachers are volunteers themselves. The school is community run, with community members volunteering to teach sports, debating and so on, depending on their interest. The school also has international volunteers who help with teaching, especially of English. Volunteering is at the heart of Malawian culture; in times of tragedy, the community come together. It is often those who can least afford to, that volunteer their time to help those in need.

4) What can vinspired Lake of Stars fans do to help even further?

Firstly,  visit the FOMOE (Friends of Mangochi Orphan Education) website and facebook page and consider a donation to the school. Secondly, for those who visited, or plan to visit the festival next year, the best way to help the community of Chipoka, and surrounding villages, is to visit, spend time to meet the community. Finally, MOET school is always open for visitors and volunteers, so If your are planning to come to vinspired LOS 2011 and fancy a bit of volunteering beforehand, contact MOET via the website and give a hand.

 

For more information about the trip and what you can do to help please click here.

Good Vibrations

Good Vibrations is a monthly club night in Manchester dedicated to the very best of 60's, 70's, Rock n Roll, Motown and Northern Soul. This year, they've spread their wings this year and played a load of festivals around the world including: Kendal Calling, Glastonbury, RAG Beerfest, The House Parties in Manchester, Cloud 9 and, of course, our very own vinspired Lake of Stars festival.

Already having played the Lake of Stars festival a year ago, we're extremely happy to say that Good Vibrations is playing at our very special RichMix Free Christmas event next Wednesday on Decmber 1st, in support of Holden and Stina and the Soldiers. Known to drop everything from The Kinks to Kool and the Gang, we're dead excited for the Good Vibrations set. If you really need more convincing to come down to Shoreditch next Wednesday then have a listen to the mix that Good Vibrations knocked up for us below.

Good Vibrations Mixtape by GoodVibrationsManc


Catch Good Vibrations live for free this Wednesday at RichMix in London.

Good Vibrations

Good Vibrations is a monthly club night in Manchester dedicated to the very best of 60's, 70's, Rock n Roll, Motown and Northern Soul. This year, they've spread their wings this year and played a load of festivals around the world including: Kendal Calling, Glastonbury, RAG Beerfest, The House Parties in Manchester, Cloud 9 and, of course, our very own vinspired Lake of Stars festival.

Already having played the Lake of Stars festival a year ago, we're extremely happy to say that Good Vibrations is playing at our very special RichMix Free Christmas event next Wednesday on Decmber 1st, in support of Holden and Stina and the Soldiers. Known to drop everything from The Kinks to Kool and the Gang, we're dead excited for the Good Vibrations set. If you really need more convincing to come down to Shoreditch next Wednesday then have a listen to the mix that Good Vibrations knocked up for us below.

Good Vibrations Mixtape by GoodVibrationsManc


Catch Good Vibrations live for free this Wednesday at RichMix in London.

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This is what we fighting for,,. my new design 29112010

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new design 29112010 grayscale version

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New Design 29112010...

Stina & The Soldiers

Lake of Stars are always looking for fresh new talent and we're just as excited to be making new friends as we are to welcome people back. This year alone we've helped oversee the rise of burgeoning stars Tinashe and Afrikan Boy. Both artists began their relationship with us at one of our London gigs and eventually found their way to Malawi at the festival where they received rapturous applause followed by media coverage.

Carrying on with our mission we bring you Stina & The Soldiers, whose unique sound has ensured they are quickly becoming one of London's most exciting unsigned acoustic acts. Before joining her band of talented musicians, Stina played at venues across London gaining a nomination for an Indy Music Award in late 2008. For more info and a chance to hear their tracks check out their Myspace.


Catch Stina & The Soldiers live for free this Wednesday at RichMix in London.

Stina & The Soldiers

Lake of Stars are always looking for fresh new talent and we're just as excited to be making new friends as we are to welcome people back. This year alone we've helped oversee the rise of burgeoning stars Tinashe and Afrikan Boy. Both artists began their relationship with us at one of our London gigs and eventually found their way to Malawi at the festival where they received rapturous applause followed by media coverage.

Carrying on with our mission we bring you Stina & The Soldiers, whose unique sound has ensured they are quickly becoming one of London's most exciting unsigned acoustic acts. Before joining her band of talented musicians, Stina played at venues across London gaining a nomination for an Indy Music Award in late 2008. For more info and a chance to hear their tracks check out their Myspace.


Catch Stina & The Soldiers live for free this Wednesday at RichMix in London.

Holden

                      
 Holden are bringing their raw emotive lyrics & electric shrills to Rich Mix next week. The Garage-Folk band are renowned for their epic live show with a warm classical Cello that enhances their sound.
 Growing up in Edinburgh’s suburban town of Dalkieth, the brothers Jedd and Anthony Holden found influence in the compelling nature of storytelling via their Celtic folklore roots. Their day jobs working in the mental health & social care industry, where themes filter through such as alcoholism, homelessness and internal contemplation, provide unique inspiration in their songwriting.
Now based in historical musical spot Abbey Road, Holden continue to wrack up a London to Edinburgh live connection, building their fan-base at venues north and south of the border.
 The band-of-four’s line up was complete in June 10’, now armed with a National TV Sync, creative visual team and some Major Label demo’s under their belt, this BBC Introducing band look ahead to an imminent showcase at ‘In The City’ at UMBRO Design Studio’s as well as Canadian Music Week March 11’, loudly hinting to catch them next Wednesday at Rich Mix before they literally go worldwide.


HOLDEN - Cider Sunday




For more information on Holden, check out their Myspace.

Catch Holden live for free this Wednesday at RichMix in London.

Holden

                      
 Holden are bringing their raw emotive lyrics & electric shrills to Rich Mix next week. The Garage-Folk band are renowned for their epic live show with a warm classical Cello that enhances their sound.
 Growing up in Edinburgh’s suburban town of Dalkieth, the brothers Jedd and Anthony Holden found influence in the compelling nature of storytelling via their Celtic folklore roots. Their day jobs working in the mental health & social care industry, where themes filter through such as alcoholism, homelessness and internal contemplation, provide unique inspiration in their songwriting.
Now based in historical musical spot Abbey Road, Holden continue to wrack up a London to Edinburgh live connection, building their fan-base at venues north and south of the border.
 The band-of-four’s line up was complete in June 10’, now armed with a National TV Sync, creative visual team and some Major Label demo’s under their belt, this BBC Introducing band look ahead to an imminent showcase at ‘In The City’ at UMBRO Design Studio’s as well as Canadian Music Week March 11’, loudly hinting to catch them next Wednesday at Rich Mix before they literally go worldwide.


HOLDEN - Cider Sunday




For more information on Holden, check out their Myspace.

Catch Holden live for free this Wednesday at RichMix in London.

The MicroLoan Foundation

vinspired Lake of Stars have proudly supported the MicroLoan Foundation for the third year running. Established in 2002, this vital organisation provides microfinance services such as small loans, business training and ongoing financial guidance to women in Malawi, Zambia and the Philippines. This enables them to develop self-sustainable livelihoods, feed, clothe and educate their families, and work their way out of the poverty trap. Micro loans have so far been made to 14,500 women. A large and committed volunteer base helps to run the organisation, which in turn allows operations to run with very low overheads in the UK. This means that a huge proportion of the donations received go straight to the people who need it most.

One of the festival’s key aims is to help develop people in Malawi through skills training and opportunities. During this year's festival, we provided artists, volunteers and festival goers alike with the opportunity to find out just how MicroLoan do this, with visits to the villages of some of the inspiring women that they support. During the trip, Paulo from MicroLoan answered some of our questions.

What are the ways in which the vinspired Lake of Stars festival has helped the MicroLoan foundation this year?

The more people that know about our work at MicroLoan – our different approach – is absolutely vital for our growth. Lake of Stars help us reach young people who care about helping Malawi develop and helping Malawians become self-sufficient, away from aid handouts. Being able to take people out to our projects, so they can see first hand how our ‘bottom-up’ approach working in action often inspires them to spread the word.

Can this partnership be developed even further in future years?

We certainly hope so. It’s beneficial in so many ways for local Malawians, their culture and their economy. In the future we would love to get all Lake of Stars supporters interested in helping MicroLoan and all our supporters helping to tell the world about Lake of Stars.

vinspired Lake of Stars is built on the work of volunteers. Is this a key ethos of MicroLoan as well? What are the benefits of volunteering?

Our volunteers are our lifeblood in so many ways. MicroLoan runs a very small head office in the UK so the skills that volunteers offer play a massive part in both our operations and fundraising efforts. Because of this, our volunteers really do get the chance to get stuck in right away, whether it’s in the UK or out in Africa at our projects. It gives them the opportunity to create real social change and gain invaluable skills and experience.

How can vinspired Lake of Stars fans do more to help?

Support us! Spread the word! Absolutely anything that helps us show people the massive benefits of what we do to alleviate poverty is he biggest help of all.
Please see http://www.microloanfoundation.org.uk for more information and to find out how you can help.

The MicroLoan Foundation

vinspired Lake of Stars have proudly supported the MicroLoan Foundation for the third year running. Established in 2002, this vital organisation provides microfinance services such as small loans, business training and ongoing financial guidance to women in Malawi, Zambia and the Philippines. This enables them to develop self-sustainable livelihoods, feed, clothe and educate their families, and work their way out of the poverty trap. Micro loans have so far been made to 14,500 women. A large and committed volunteer base helps to run the organisation, which in turn allows operations to run with very low overheads in the UK. This means that a huge proportion of the donations received go straight to the people who need it most.

One of the festival’s key aims is to help develop people in Malawi through skills training and opportunities. During this year's festival, we provided artists, volunteers and festival goers alike with the opportunity to find out just how MicroLoan do this, with visits to the villages of some of the inspiring women that they support. During the trip, Paulo from MicroLoan answered some of our questions.

What are the ways in which the vinspired Lake of Stars festival has helped the MicroLoan foundation this year?

The more people that know about our work at MicroLoan – our different approach – is absolutely vital for our growth. Lake of Stars help us reach young people who care about helping Malawi develop and helping Malawians become self-sufficient, away from aid handouts. Being able to take people out to our projects, so they can see first hand how our ‘bottom-up’ approach working in action often inspires them to spread the word.

Can this partnership be developed even further in future years?

We certainly hope so. It’s beneficial in so many ways for local Malawians, their culture and their economy. In the future we would love to get all Lake of Stars supporters interested in helping MicroLoan and all our supporters helping to tell the world about Lake of Stars.

vinspired Lake of Stars is built on the work of volunteers. Is this a key ethos of MicroLoan as well? What are the benefits of volunteering?

Our volunteers are our lifeblood in so many ways. MicroLoan runs a very small head office in the UK so the skills that volunteers offer play a massive part in both our operations and fundraising efforts. Because of this, our volunteers really do get the chance to get stuck in right away, whether it’s in the UK or out in Africa at our projects. It gives them the opportunity to create real social change and gain invaluable skills and experience.

How can vinspired Lake of Stars fans do more to help?

Support us! Spread the word! Absolutely anything that helps us show people the massive benefits of what we do to alleviate poverty is he biggest help of all.
Please see http://www.microloanfoundation.org.uk for more information and to find out how you can help.

Wheels In:Motion

Motion have just launched their In:Motion series and the word on the street is that the masses have been storming the place every weekend. Undoubtedly the most off the hook venue that the South West of Britain plays host to, by day the club is used as a skate park. By night though, 2 rooms, a large warehouse and a huge outdoor terrace are packed to the rafters with over 1200 party-goers looking for the best clubbing experience on offer.

The club boasts one of the best soundsystems in the country and although it can be a challenge to navigate yourself around the ramps, walls and passageways, once outside the club is only a five minute walk from the train station. You really have no excuse not to come and witness Beardyman, Rob Da Bank, Jakwob, The Nextmen and Drums of Death lay waste to the dancefloor, even if you're not from Bristol. Motion demands to be checked out, with many labelling it the South of England's answer to the Manchester Warehouse Project, and when better to experience the madness than during the clubs In:Motion season. Just watch the video for a glimpse at what the In:Motion series has in store.



For more info on the Team Love event next weekend click here.
Or click here to find out more about the In:Motion season then.

Wheels In:Motion

Motion have just launched their In:Motion series and the word on the street is that the masses have been storming the place every weekend. Undoubtedly the most off the hook venue that the South West of Britain plays host to, by day the club is used as a skate park. By night though, 2 rooms, a large warehouse and a huge outdoor terrace are packed to the rafters with over 1200 party-goers looking for the best clubbing experience on offer.

The club boasts one of the best soundsystems in the country and although it can be a challenge to navigate yourself around the ramps, walls and passageways, once outside the club is only a five minute walk from the train station. You really have no excuse not to come and witness Beardyman, Rob Da Bank, Jakwob, The Nextmen and Drums of Death lay waste to the dancefloor, even if you're not from Bristol. Motion demands to be checked out, with many labelling it the South of England's answer to the Manchester Warehouse Project, and when better to experience the madness than during the clubs In:Motion season. Just watch the video for a glimpse at what the In:Motion series has in store.



For more info on the Team Love event next weekend click here.
Or click here to find out more about the In:Motion season then.

Team Love Introduces...Beardyman

Headlining the incredible Team Love night that we're involved with on Nov 27th is the one and only Beardyman. A tirelessly innovative performer, Beardyman has always pushed the boundaries of what people expect from human beatbox, merging phenomenal beatbox skills with his leftfield sense of humour and incredible musicality. Winner of numerous Beatbox competitions, he has gone on to change the way beatboxing is performed live. As well as bafflingly good solo human-beatbox, his show utilises cutting-edge sound-mangling technology to create dance-inducing layered rhythms, breath-taking soundscapes, fully produced songs and tunes, all improvised and created entirely from the human voice. No pre-recorded material is used, and everything is created live and in real time in front of the audience, who he takes on a mind-bending journey from dumbstruck to dancing and back again. 

To get an idea of how Beardyman uses technology to take beatboxing to the next level, check out the video below to see his triumphant set at this year's Reading festival. He stormed the Dance Stage, packing out the whole tent and leaving many latecomers stuck outside, peering in to try and get a glimpse of the maestro at work. Make sure you are not one of the people left peering into Motion on November 27th, wishing you were inside.




And check out this video of Beardyman cooking up some breaks, in the clip that made him an internet sensation and demonstrating both skills and a sense of humour that would eventually take him all the way to daytime chat shows and made him a staple on every festival line-up:




For more info on Beardyman click here. Or check out his Myspace here.

And for more info on the massive Team Love clubnight coming up on November 27th in Bristol, click here.

Team Love Introduces...Beardyman

Headlining the incredible Team Love night that we're involved with on Nov 27th is the one and only Beardyman. A tirelessly innovative performer, Beardyman has always pushed the boundaries of what people expect from human beatbox, merging phenomenal beatbox skills with his leftfield sense of humour and incredible musicality. Winner of numerous Beatbox competitions, he has gone on to change the way beatboxing is performed live. As well as bafflingly good solo human-beatbox, his show utilises cutting-edge sound-mangling technology to create dance-inducing layered rhythms, breath-taking soundscapes, fully produced songs and tunes, all improvised and created entirely from the human voice. No pre-recorded material is used, and everything is created live and in real time in front of the audience, who he takes on a mind-bending journey from dumbstruck to dancing and back again. 

To get an idea of how Beardyman uses technology to take beatboxing to the next level, check out the video below to see his triumphant set at this year's Reading festival. He stormed the Dance Stage, packing out the whole tent and leaving many latecomers stuck outside, peering in to try and get a glimpse of the maestro at work. Make sure you are not one of the people left peering into Motion on November 27th, wishing you were inside.




And check out this video of Beardyman cooking up some breaks, in the clip that made him an internet sensation and demonstrating both skills and a sense of humour that would eventually take him all the way to daytime chat shows and made him a staple on every festival line-up:




For more info on Beardyman click here. Or check out his Myspace here.

And for more info on the massive Team Love clubnight coming up on November 27th in Bristol, click here.

vinspired Lake of Stars joins forces with Team Love

We are very proud to announce that our final event of the year outside of London will take place in Bristol in collaboration with the amazing Team Love.

Featuring friends of vinspired Lake of Stars; former UK champion beatboxer - Beardyman and Bestival founder - Rob da Bank, as well as Nextmen, Ratpack and remix master Jakwob.

Crowds will be treated to the finest underground music featuring an eclectic range of mind-blowing talent ranging from live beat boxing to bass-driven electro and straight up underground house and techno.

The event will take place in Bristol's most promising and exciting clubs – Motion; a skate park by day, which by night offers a unique venue to party the night away.

We have undoubtedly saved the best till last!

Come down and join us at what promises to be one of the most exciting events to date!!

Join the Facebook event page here: http://on.fb.me/dCgz20

vinspired Lake of Stars joins forces with Team Love

We are very proud to announce that our final event of the year outside of London will take place in Bristol in collaboration with the amazing Team Love.

Featuring friends of vinspired Lake of Stars; former UK champion beatboxer - Beardyman and Bestival founder - Rob da Bank, as well as Nextmen, Ratpack and remix master Jakwob.

Crowds will be treated to the finest underground music featuring an eclectic range of mind-blowing talent ranging from live beat boxing to bass-driven electro and straight up underground house and techno.

The event will take place in Bristol's most promising and exciting clubs – Motion; a skate park by day, which by night offers a unique venue to party the night away.

We have undoubtedly saved the best till last!

Come down and join us at what promises to be one of the most exciting events to date!!

Join the Facebook event page here: http://on.fb.me/dCgz20

vinspired Make the Team

Right here at Lake of Stars, we love a good bit of volunteering. During the festival everyone volunteers - from the stewards to the stage managers to the UK headliners - they all give up their time to get involved. Whilst in the UK, volunteers from all over England help out with the events we run, ensuring their success.

Now vinspired have started 'Make the Team' a new initiative encouraging and inspiring a new generation of volunteers through the medium of Premiership Football. Yes if you volunteer you have a chance of winning Premier League Football tickets for a club of your choice!

Getting involved is easy. All you have to do is register if you’re not already a vinspired member (this is free and easy to do), select your favourite Premier League team, decide how you’d like to volunteer (which doesn’t have to be football related) and upload a photo of yourself volunteering. To get started, click "sign in to do this" and register. Perfect for the legions of Lake of Stars volunteers..

Winners will be selected at random by a prize draw. However, just for fun, why not make your picture as creative as possible!?



If you need any further persuasion check Sky Sports commentator and football hero Chris Kamara's thoughts on the matter..

vinspired Make the Team

Right here at Lake of Stars, we love a good bit of volunteering. During the festival everyone volunteers - from the stewards to the stage managers to the UK headliners - they all give up their time to get involved. Whilst in the UK, volunteers from all over England help out with the events we run, ensuring their success.

Now vinspired have started 'Make the Team' a new initiative encouraging and inspiring a new generation of volunteers through the medium of Premiership Football. Yes if you volunteer you have a chance of winning Premier League Football tickets for a club of your choice!

Getting involved is easy. All you have to do is register if you’re not already a vinspired member (this is free and easy to do), select your favourite Premier League team, decide how you’d like to volunteer (which doesn’t have to be football related) and upload a photo of yourself volunteering. To get started, click "sign in to do this" and register. Perfect for the legions of Lake of Stars volunteers..

Winners will be selected at random by a prize draw. However, just for fun, why not make your picture as creative as possible!?



If you need any further persuasion check Sky Sports commentator and football hero Chris Kamara's thoughts on the matter..