Week at a Glance 25-01-13
J.J. Abrams to direct Star Wars Episode VII
The director of the recent Star Trek reboot J.J. Abrams, who appeared to have rejected the idea of having a crack at the George Lucas space opera franchise, seems to have had a change of heart and a source close to the project was quoted as saying: “It’s a done deal with J.J.” Source: Movieweb
The Mars Volta split
Following six albums and more than 10 years together, the Mars Volta (main image), the band formed out of the ashes of At The Drive In have announced their split. On hiatus since last year, singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala cited a lack of interest on the part of guitarist and co-founder Omar Rodríguez-López, who this week revealed new project Bosnian Rainbows.
The Postal Service reform for April’s Coachella
A band moving in the opposite direction is electro duo, The Postal Service. 10 years since the release of their only album, Give Up, Benjamin Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) and Jimmy Tamborello have been confirmed for the Coachella music festival along with a deluxe release of the platinum selling album. No mention of a second Postal Service record was made.
Trailer for the new Coen brothers film revealed
New Coen brothers film, Inside Llewyn Davis, due for release in the US next month, now has a trailer. Starring Carey Mulligan, Alan Driver and Justin Timberlake, it charts the journey of a singer-songwriter navigating New York’s folk music scene during the 1960s.
LJMU Exhibition Research Centre to open next week
Tuesday (29th January) sees the opening of Liverpool John Moores University’s Exhibition Research Centre. Devoted to the study of exhibition histories and practices, the research centre opens with an exhibition (for the first time in the UK) of Jacques Charlier’s photographs of openings (above).
Bido Lito! announces Culture Forum
“A public event seeking to ensure grassroots creative culture’s stake in Liverpool’s future”, next month’s (7th February) Culture Forum, hosted by music monthly Bido Lito! and taking place at the Fallout Factory gallery, “makes the case for our city’s grassroots creative organisations having a seat at the table”. Specifically, this means getting to grips with November’s announcement of Liverpool’s 15 year vision for the city and whether support will filter down to ‘grassroots’ organisations.
Wirral Festival of Firsts 2013 call for volunteers
Last year saw the Wirral’s inaugural Festival of Firsts. Established to “deliver an innovative, community based arts festival to encourage participation, the showcasing of local talent as well as the opportunity for the community to access and enjoy some examples of the best art, music and poetry in the country”, FoF 2013 (which takes place in July) are after volunteers to help at this year’s festival.
