#Discount Queen Concert Tickets

[if-only-angels-could-prevail]

Hi! Long-time follower here ig lmao. I'm moving to Chicago next week, any recommendations for stuff (to do/eat/see/go, etc.)?

oh lol this is such a huge question! and it also depends which area you're moving to. ummmm if you like theatre, there's a TON, more than i can keep track of tbh. but if you want something cool and late-night, the neo-futurists is a very Chicago thing to do. i think the two most famous regional theatres in chicago are the goodman and steppenwolf. they both do great work, and they're a good starting point. also shout out to the court theatre, blank theatre company, theatre wit, trap door theatre, a red orchid theatre, and lyric opera. i've adored at least one show from each of these companies (and they all do VERY different work).

in my neighborhood (andersonville), check out the bookstores women and children first, and uncharted books. and if you like thrifting, check out brown elephant. (i'm also addicted to going to tuesday night piano karaoke at elixir in andersonville lol. if you end up going sometime, there's like a 50% chance i'll be there)

the chicago symphony is where i spend most of my evenings these days tbh (the promo code "student" will get you a ticket discount lol)

the art institute is just as good as you've heard. the MCA also rules.

some of my personal favorite live music venues are: SPACE in Evanston, Old Town School of Folk Music, city winery in the loop, and constellation. i like these venues because they have chairs and i'm tired of going to concerts where i'm constantly bumping into twinks with $12 white claws, but also because they program great music at relatively affordable prices.

if you like dancing/nightlife, i like sidetrack, queen on sunday nights at smartbar (amazing djs), a diy queer drag party called boots (they're on instagram), and berlin (berlin is where the cool queers go, and has arguably the best drag in chicago--keep in mind it does get a bit crowded and claustrophobic). (NVM, BERLIN WORKERS JUST ANNOUNCED THEY’RE ON STRIKE, SO DON’T GO THERE LOL). the drag competition on thursday nights at charlie's is also a fabulous time.

oh and if you like going to movies, you have to check out the gene siskel film center (the best programming in the city), the music box (the COOLEST movie theatre in the city), and facets. be sure to look into the series (serieses?) that these theatres program—they do a lot of fabulous screenings of older movies, and also some great film festivals. i also go to the alamo drafthouse a lot for convenience, even tho they piss me off. but they do sometimes have cool programming.

that's what i got off the top of my head!!! congrats on the move, i love chicago and i hope you do too!!!

[releveunlimited]

Destination Planning in New York: A Complete Guide

New York, also referred to as the "Empire State," is a place that provides an unmatched fusion of modernity, history, and culture. Effective destination preparation may help you get the most out of your trip to New York, regardless of your level of experience.

Step 1: Sort Your Must-See Places by Priority

Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the famous sites in New York. Choose your favorite experiences, such as touring renowned museums like The Met or MoMA, admiring the stunning vistas from the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, or touring local communities like Brooklyn or Harlem. Make a list of "must-visit" locations based on your interests after doing some advance research.

Step 2: Make an Effective Travel Plan

The city's lifeblood is New York's vast public transportation network, which includes the subway, buses, and ferries. Traveling can be easy if you get a MetroCard or use contactless payments. Walking is a fantastic method for visitors visiting Manhattan to see the vibrancy of the city. Think about renting a car or taking a regional rail if you intend to travel farther, such as to the Hudson Valley or the beaches of Long Island.

Step 3: Modifications to Fit Your Personal Style

From opulent hotels in Midtown Manhattan to quaint boutique lodgings in Greenwich Village or affordable hostels in Brooklyn, New York has a wide variety of lodging options. Based on your schedule, pick a place. While Brooklyn and Queens provide a more local experience at frequently lower prices, staying in Manhattan guarantees close proximity to key attractions.

Step 4: Schedule Your Visit Seasons wisely

Schedule Your Visit Seasons wisely alter the allure of New York. For nice weather and stunning cityscapes, go in the spring or fall. While summer offers lively street festivals, rooftop bars, and outdoor performances, winter is enchanted with holiday markets, ice skating, and festive decorations.

Step 5: Reserve Activities Ahead of Time

Popular concerts and attractions, like the Statue of Liberty tours or Broadway productions, frequently sell out. Time can be saved and availability can be guaranteed by purchasing tickets in advance. Additionally, it's beneficial to plan ahead because many attractions offer online discounts!

Step 6: Allow for Unplanned Events

New York is a city that lives on spontaneity, even though Destination planning in New York is crucial. Make time in your itinerary to visit hidden treasures, take in street performances, or try out unusual dining establishments.

Your trip to New York will be as exciting and memorable as the city itself if you plan it carefully. Are you prepared to explore the Big Apple? Make plans now!

[peterjohnsonnnn]

Discover the Best Senior-Friendly Activities in Charlotte

Charlotte, often called the Queen City, offers a wealth of opportunities for seniors to stay active, engaged, and entertained. Whether you’re seeking enriching cultural experiences, peaceful outdoor retreats, or fun social gatherings, Charlotte has something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of Senior-Friendly Activities in Charlotte that will inspire and delight.

1. Explore Charlotte’s Parks and Gardens

Charlotte boasts numerous green spaces perfect for leisurely strolls or serene moments of reflection. Freedom Park, with its picturesque lake and walking paths, is a favorite spot for many. Meanwhile, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, located just a short drive away, offers vibrant displays of seasonal flowers and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.

2. Tap into the Arts Scene

The city’s thriving arts culture is a must-see. Seniors can enjoy discounted tickets to the Mint Museum or Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, where a world of creativity awaits. For music lovers, the Charlotte Symphony offers matinee performances that are both enriching and accessible.

3. Join Community Programs and Classes

Local community centers host a variety of classes tailored to seniors, from yoga and tai chi to painting and cooking workshops. These programs not only encourage lifelong learning but also provide a wonderful way to meet new friends and build connections.

4. Visit Historic Landmarks

Charlotte’s rich history comes to life through its many historic sites. Seniors can enjoy guided tours of the Historic Rosedale Plantation or the Levine Museum of the New South. These visits offer fascinating insights into the city’s past while providing a relaxed, leisurely pace.

5. Stay Active with Senior Sports and Fitness

For those looking to stay fit, Charlotte offers plenty of senior-friendly sports leagues and fitness classes. The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department often hosts walking clubs, pickleball games, and water aerobics tailored for older adults.

6. Savor Local Cuisine and Farmers Markets

Charlotte’s culinary scene is both diverse and accessible. Seniors can enjoy farm-to-table meals at local restaurants or visit the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market to pick up fresh produce and handmade goods. Many markets also host senior days with special discounts and live entertainment.

7. Connect Through Volunteer Opportunities

For seniors looking to give back, Charlotte offers numerous volunteer opportunities. From mentoring programs to assisting at local food banks, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and a way to connect with the community.

8. Attend Festivals and Events

Charlotte hosts year-round events that cater to all ages. From outdoor concerts at Romare Bearden Park to seasonal festivals, these gatherings are a fantastic way to enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

9. Join Book Clubs and Discussion Groups

For seniors who love reading, local libraries and independent bookstores often host book clubs and discussion groups. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to share ideas and engage in thought-provoking conversations.

10. Take a Scenic Day Trip

Charlotte’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for scenic day trips. Explore the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, visit Lake Norman, or take a leisurely drive through the countryside to enjoy breathtaking views and charming small towns.

Charlotte offers countless ways for seniors to stay active, engaged, and inspired. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, these activities ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable experience in the Queen City.

[myfirstevent]

🌟✨ Exciting News for Swifties! ✨🌟

Hey there, Taylor Swift fans! 🎤🎶 Get ready to shake it off and dance like nobody's watching because Taylor Swift is back in 2024 with a tour that's bound to be legendary! 🌟🎸

🎟️ Taylor Swift Tour 2024 Tickets are officially ON SALE NOW! 🎟️

Don't miss your chance to see the Queen of Pop herself live in concert! 🎤👑 Whether you've been a fan since "Tim McGraw" or you just can't get enough of her latest hits, this is the event of a lifetime. 🌠✨

Grab your squad, put on your red lipstick, and start planning your outfits because this tour promises to be a night to remember. 🌆👗👠

📆 Tour Dates: [Insert Dates and Locations Here]

🎶 Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with all your favorite Taylor Swift hits, from "Love Story" to "Blank Space" to "Lover" and beyond! 💖🎵

But wait, there's more! Stay tuned for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, meet-and-greet opportunities, and chances to win awesome merch! 🤩🛍️

Make sure you don't miss out on this magical experience. Head to secure your Taylor Swift Tour 2024 tickets before they're gone! 🎟️💨

Spread the word to your fellow Swifties and let's make 2024 the year of Taylor Swift! 🐍📣

#TaylorSwift2024 #TaylorSwiftTour #SwiftiesUnite #ConcertSensation #GetYourTicketsNow

[ticket2concert-blog]

Queen + Adam Lambert “The Rhapsody Tour” Extends To UK in June 2020

One of our favorite collaborations since American Idol 2019, Queen + Adam Lambert are extending their ‘The Rhapsody Tour’ to UK. In June next year the group will be stopping by London and Manchester. Too eager to see the legendary Queen active members (Brian May and Roger Taylor) perform with Adam lambert? Well aren’t you lucky! Queen Concert Tickets from Ticket2Concert. Get them now before they run out of discounted ones.

The tour will kick off at London’s O2 Arena on June 2 and will continue for 5 nights. The troop will then head to Manchester on June 11 for a performance at Manchester Arena. An additional date for Manchester has also been confirmed, owing to the strong demand. Book your Queen + Adam Lambert Manchester Concert Tickets for Manchester Arena right away. A little late and you could be losing your chance to witness some really amazing moments.

The group began with occasionally performing some shows together. When they realized that they make a great team, they went ahead and toured all around Europe in 2012.  As expected of the eighth season runner-up of American Idol, the singer soon made his place with Brian May and Roger Taylor. And of course in the hearts of so many music lovers all over the world.

Since then, Queen + Adam Lambert has done numerous shows and various tours. This time their prey is the people of London and Manchester. If you are just as crazy about them as everybody else, Order now and you might get Discount Queen O2 Arena London Tickets. Tickets are on sale at Ticket2Concert for all their shows in the UK Tour. Starting from a minimum price and loads of happy discounts. Check out the tour dates as follows for June 2020:

2 June 2020 at the O2 Arena, London

3 June 2020 at the O2 Arena, London

5 June 2020 at the O2 Arena, London

6 June 2020 at the O2 Arena, London

9 June 2020 at the O2 Arena, London

11 June 2020 at the Manchester Arena, Manchester

12 June 2020 at the Manchester Arena, Manchester

The tour honors Queen’s 2018 Oscar-winning biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. This film is the highest-grossing music biopic of all time. Even though the fans were speculating about a sequel the frontman Adam Lambert denied that there would be any. He says, “haven’t heard anything about it,” and wonders “What they would make the movie about.”

If there is a sequel the lead singer claims to know nothing of it. Oh well, we still have the tour to look forward to. And remember there is a Queen Concert Tickets Discount Coupon for all music lovers who come to Ticket2Concert. Don’t just keep waiting for June 2020, book your tickets now. So you can enjoy this remarkable train of fun and excitement.

[emmyfairy]

The Concert Eddie Munson x Reader

Eddie Munson did not think of you as a friend. 

Not in a bad way, you were always civil to one another and whatnot, but your paths did not often cross socially. 

You had a few shared classes when you were both in high school, but while he stayed after for Hellfire, you had stayed for book club. 

Same solar system, different planets. 

Once he had finally graduated and gotten a job at the new music store in town, he was pleasantly surprised to see you cross his path more often. 

You were a frequent costumer, buying records and tapes, often from the sale bin which he could relate to, and if he snuck in his employee discount what was the hurt? 

Eddie was glad the two of you were growing into acquaintances, having multiple mutual friends helped, and Eddie hoped- into friends. 

He always knew you were the quiet type, rarely raising your hand in class, and even now, shy greetings whenever you see him in the shop or the grocery store, or at the library you worked at when he just had to reread The Silmarillion. 

But, it was getting better. He couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face whenever he thought about it, how much more open you were getting with him- and him with you. You never made him feel judged, he really liked spending time with you. More than he let himself admit. 

The blossoming friendship he thought was forming began to cloud with doubt one Wednesday morning as he watched you make your way into the shop, and up to the counter he was leaning behind. 

“Hey sweetheart.”

“Morning Eddie.”

You didn’t look at him when you greeted him, and while it gave him a chance to admire your chosen outfit for the day and the way the sunlight helped you glow, he didn’t like the nervous twirling of your hands. 

Narrowing his eyes at you and pushing himself off of the wall he encroached you, 

“Everything all right sweetheart? We got a new shipment of Queen, you wanna take a look?” 

Your eyes were darting around, weight shifting from one foot to the other, still not looking at him and damn Eddie hated it. A sinking feeling started to pit in his stomach. 

Were you mad at him? Did he do something wrong? Say something wrong? Did he-

You finally spoke up, cutting off his thoughts, 

“I have some tickets to a show…”

Trailing off you seemed to be digging for some courage, 

“They’re to Iron Maiden, I really want to go. I loved that tape you made me but I can’t go on my own. And-and I know you like them so I was wondering if you wanted to go with me? Together? Ya’know if you’re not busy or,”

It was Eddie’s turn to cut you off, 

“Dammit princess you had me scared there.”

He sighs out in overly dramatic relief, leaning back and placing a hand over his chest,

“Of course I’ll go with you, don’t know what you’re so nervous about. I love Iron Maiden and I love y- hanging out with you.”

Good save idiot

The relieved smile that spreads across your face makes his heart skip a few beats, mouth drying, 

“Really? That’s great Eddie! The venue is a bit far, I’ll pay for gas but I was hoping…”

“I’ll drive sweetheart no issue there, and don’t worry your little head about gas.”

He knew you got nervous driving in unfamiliar areas, and he’d drive you to the end of the earth if you asked. 

Afterwards, having given him the needed information and whatnot the two of you had listened to the new records the store had recently gotten in. 

Eddie watched you, head bobbing along, internally cursing every customer that came in and interrupted your time together. 

He couldn’t wait for the concert. 

Eddie Munson didn’t do nervous, at least that’s what he was chanting to himself in his head. In reality the boy had changed outfits all of thirty times, attempted to tame his frazzled hair, and cleaned his boots off to the best of his ability. 

So, not his usual pre-concert routine. 

He was on his way to your house, his stomach threatening to drop out of his ass the entire ride. 

Why the hell am I so fucking nervous? 

Oh, he knew why, he just wouldn’t admit it. 

Eddie was planning on going up to your door all gentlemanly, but as soon as he had pulled up, you were bounding down the pathway towards his van. 

Thankful that he had left the windows open a few hours to get rid of as much of the smoke and fumes as he could, he watched as you paused before the door. Gently tugging it open and peering up at him. 

“Hi.”

God damn it you’re so fucking cute. 

Eddie cleared his throat, cheeks betraying him and pinking,

“Ready sweetheart?”

You climbed into his passenger seat, 

A throne for m’lady, he thought. 

“Yup!”

Here we go.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reblog and comment! Part 2? 🤔

[thebritishmonarchycouk]

The Household Division Beating Retreat . 10th & 11th June 2020. . 🇬🇧 These annual concerts are performed on Horse Guards Parade, each year on the Wednesday & Thursday preceding the Queen’s Birthday, or “Trooping The Colour” as it is often called. . 🇬🇧 It is a spectacular evening of music & military precision drill, including horses, cannon & fireworks. . 🇬🇧 This year the event will take place on Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th June 2020. . 👑 The theme this year will be ‘THE SWORD AND THE CROWN”, paying tribute to Her Majesty the Queen, recognizing the service of the Foot Guards & the British Army in defence of the Nation at home & abroad, marking the 75 years of peace in Europe since the end of World War II.  . 🎫 Tickets start from £20 & there is a 10% discount on purchases for 10 tickets or more. You can purchase tickets directly online at tickets.householddivision.org.uk . Each year, one member of The Royal Family attends to take the Royal Salute (this happens on the Thursday). Last year the Duchess of Cambridge attended. . Where: Horse Guards, Whitehall  LONDON, SW1A 2AX  . What is Beating Retreat? . A spectacular evening pageant of music & military precision drill, including horses, cannon & fireworks. These annual concerts are performed on Horse Guards parade in front of the beautiful backdrop of St James’s Park each year on the Wednesday & Thursday evening preceding “Trooping the Colour” (The Queen’s Birthday Parade). . Seated & wheelchair tickets available from £20 to £45. Wheelchair ticket includes a companion on the same ticket. . https://tickets.householddivision.org.uk . Visit @householddivision . . . #BeatingRetreat #Householddivision #QueensGuard #FootGuards #HouseholdCavaly #BritishArmy #TheQueen #Ceremony #tradition #military #British #hermajesty #hermajestythequeen #TroopingtheColour #HorseguardsParade #Horseguards #Whitehall #London #visitlondon #visitengland #visitbritain #Royalfamily #queenelizabethii #katemiddleton #duchessofcambridge #CatherineDuchessofCambridge #Heritage #Royalty #horses #Ceremonial (at Horse Guards Parade) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_qNT9gYIB/?igshid=16qonxtavmk96

[elisabeth515]

You know I said I’m a theatre nerd in the bio-

Oof yes. I’ve almost forgotten this account but here I am just doing some posting...

Favourite musicals?

“Les Misérables”, “Mozart L’Opera Rock”, “Le Rouge et le Noir”, “Le petit Prince”, “1789: Les Amants de la Bastille”, “Notre Dame de Paris”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Hamilton”, “Heathers”, “Wicked”, “Kinky Boots”, “Dear Evan Hansen”, etc. (I just like a lot of musicals lol)

Newest Obsession?

“Roméo et Juliette, Les Enfants de Vérone”. I have just watched the musical live in Hong Kong. That was the very last show of the tour and I can’t get over it aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

(Have a cute picture of the cast during the curtain call. That’s Tybalt who is in the centre of focus.)

My favourite character from the musical is Tybalt; even though in this story, he had an unrequited love to Juliet, he’s just too #relatable lol. He is played by the nico nico niii Nicolas Turconi in this production and this guy is so adorable. Oh yes and Tycutio is my OTP

Have you watched any musicals live?

You know the answer already. I have watched 3 West End musicals (“Les Misérables”, “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked”) and a touring French Musical (“Roméo et Juliette, Les Enfants de Vérone”). I also have watched a college production of “Chicago” and an amateur production of “Cats”.

The most memorable experience with musicals?

Ah, there are several ones:

Watching the iconic original Les Misérables production in Queen’s Theatre during a study tour. That’s the reason why I got into musicals and thanks to this I got out from my anime addiction.

Watching “The Phantom of the Opera” in London with mum then two days later we went to watch “Wicked”. That was pretty crazy to be honest but in both shows we got pretty good seats.

Not exactly a musical one but I attended Laurent Bàn’s solo concert in Guangzhou, China with my friend and holy heck he is so attractive-

Buying some local food for the whole cast of “Roméo et Juliette” when showing in Hong Kong. I managed to give them to the cast at the stage door and I’m happy that they liked them because I had never tasted it before giving the whole bag to John Eysen (who plays Mercutio in the Musical)

Asking Nicolas Turconi to say “Nico Nico nii” to the fans at the stage door out of no reason and someone filmed the whole footage and posted it on Weibo. Still I have no idea what the hell I was doing but the prince of cats really said it-

Being a french musical fan has so much fun lol

Would you read the original stories after watching a musical you like?

Certainly. This is probably the primary reason of me ended up reading the classics. Right now I am reading Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and holy heck I just can’t help imagine Tybalt as Nico

Opinions on Movie productions of Musicals?

Besides movie musicals like “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins”, here are my opinions:

Short answer: they sucks.

Long answer: Certainly, they attracted more people into musicals since not everyone could afford a show (the average ticket price for a west end musical starts around £25-30). However, you have to expect that the singing in the production would be discounted, comparing to stage productions. Although movie productions sometimes would add details from the original story (like in “The Phantom of the Opera” movie, they got the torture room mentioned in the novel), I am certainly not a fan for most of the productions (*cough* *cough* that Phantom Movie). Honestly I have no hopes for the upcoming “Cats” movie.

Well, as for the voiceovers in other languages, I am pretty cool for it at this moment, at least I found out that they got professional musical actors to do the roles.

Musical Ships?

Yeet.

My OTPs are:

Enjolras x France (Les Misérables x any franchises with human countries except countryhumans)

Enjoltaire (Les Misérables)

Valvert (Les Misérables)

Marius x Cosette (Les Misérables)

Lams (Hamilton)

Hamliza (Hamilton)

Tycutio (Roméo et Juliette)

Orpheus x Eurydice (Hadestown)

Mozalieri (Mozart l’Opera Rock)

Glebga (Anastasia)

Erik x Christine x Raoul (The Phantom of the Opera)

Et cetera, et cetera...

Opinions on the fanfictions?

What can I say? They are pretty cool given the fact that they fulfilled our inner dark desires of shipping the characters together (or even to the readers themselves) but at the same time some of them might be cringy honestly.

That’s all for the questions! Thanks for reading. You are welcomed to answer the questions I mentioned in this post. See ya!

[my-keyboard-did-it-not-me]

The Storm That's Brewing

Summary: morning in Spain, breakfast

Warnings: food/eating

(first, previous and next chapter links at end)

----------

Chapter 9- A Morning Of Chocolate, Charging And Charming

Waking up was always hell, Virgil thought. Waking up to the smell of burning chocolate, and the sound of faint cussing from another room, though? Virgil wasn't sure how he felt about that.

Of course he was mad about waking up, and if it were up to him he'd nestle back under the covers and sleep for another week, but he was already on his feet before the thought crossed his mind.

Out of habit he checked his phone before anything else: one message from Patton, reading 'Okay! See you tonight!' followed by a heart, cat, and tea emoji. He replied a simple 'ok' emoji and shut off his phone. Then he did what his instincts told him and followed the chocolate.

Stepping out into the hallway, Virgil pondered over why he wasn't completely freaking out right now. For once, he had plenty of reason to: he'd just discovered that his roommate could teleport, meaning that he and Patton weren't the only superpowered ones out there and there could be countless others, that his life was probably going to get a lot more complicated very quickly, and also that he was in Spain. He was sure a breakdown was inevitable. Yet, walking barefoot towards a stranger's kitchen, in a stranger's house, in borrowed clothes, he felt completely fine. Probably because of shock. Or denial. Either way, he preferred it to stressing.

As he neared the kitchen, the cursing stopped, and he noticed quiet music playing from Roman's phone on the table. Behind, Roman stood, frantically jumping between the tasks of mixing bowls, setting the table and presumably not burning the place down.

Roman hadn't noticed Virgil sit down at the table, until he went to place a cup next to him and jumped out of his skin.

"Heckedy heck! Five abs and a peck! Warn a guy before you sneak up on them."

Virgil laughed. He'd never seen Roman so disgruntled before- dressed in sweats and an oversized Disney tee, hair unbrushed and face bare, discounting the line of flour he had across his cheek. Virgil rarely caught Roman in the mornings before either of them left for work, or for social purposes in Roman's case. He liked plain Roman- he seemed less like an annoying preening peacock, and more like an annoying, cute robin. Not like Virgil had any issues with Roman looking dressed up though, both were very pleasant sights.

"Well that's... An image. But yeah, good morning to you too Princey." He said, aiming for sarcastic, but just sounding tired (which he was). He glanced behind Roman, where he could see smoke. "Uh, something's burning."

Roman quickly turned the oven off, scowling into the previously smouldering bowl. He placed it, as well as another onto the table.

Virgil peered into one of the bowls and saw a mass of clumpy, charred chocolate. He bit his lip. "This looks... Good?"

Roman sighed and flopped into the seat opposite Virgil. "I know, I know. It's burnt. It's inedible. It's unsalvageable." He draped an arm across his head. "You've found my weakness- it's chocolate."

Virgil laughed under his breath. "What were you even trying to do? Burn the house down?"

Roman titled the other bowl for Virgil to see; inside were a load of piped, yellow-y shapes.

"Churros?"

Roman nodded solemnly.

"Why is this one shaped like a deformed dinosaur?"

"I was trying to make some Mickey mouse shaped."

Virgil tried to hide his smile. <i>Of course <i/>he was. "Alright well the chocolate is salvagable. Did you make the sugar dip thingy?"

Roman perked up. "I was just about to but..." He poked the chocolate lump with a spoon. "Really?"

Virgil stood, "Is there a kettle?"

"Why, of course!"

Roman outstretched his hand and, with a slight pop, a kettle appeared.

"Dude. How do you do that?"

"I don't know, I just-" He looked suspiciously up at Virgil, "I usually can't do it with people watching."

Virgil raised an eyebrow.

"Here." Roman handed Virgil the kettle.

Virgil placed it underneath the tap and filled it. A silence fell over the cabin. Virgil realised that he and Roman hadn't actually ever spent that much time together since their first day in the apartment. He reckoned, now that some new secrets had come to light, that was going to change. Was that a bad thing?

Once the kettle was almost boiling on the stove, and Roman had (manually) found a spare bowl and several types of sugars, Roman tried to initiate a conversation. Unfortunately, it wasn't one that Virgil wanted to have so early in the- morning? Afternoon? What timezone should he even go by?

"So uh... Do you just do lightning or are you like Storm?" Roman tried.

Virgil glared at him.

Roman summoned a white flag into his hand. "Alright, alright, Lightning McQueer, we'll talk about it later."

Virgil narrowed his eyes. Did he hear Roman correctly? He huffed out a small laugh despite his best efforts not to.

Roman beamed. "Virgil smiling within an hour of waking up? What magic is this? "It's straight out of a fairytale."

Virgil shook his head. "Yeah right, as who, the villain? The evil witch?"

Roman gasped. "Of course not! You are clearly the princess. The damsel in distress." He lifted Virgil's hand and tried to spin him.

"I have a kettle full of boiling water in my hand, you dolt!"

Virgil gently pushed Roman away, careful not to

Roman chuckled. "You certainly have the distressed part of damsel in distress going on."

"Dream on Princey." Virgil poured some water into the closest mug. He looked around for a second, then at Roman, "Spoon?"

"Me?"

"Do you have a tea spoon?" Virgil asked impatiently.

Roman smirked and handed Virgil a spoon he'd gotten from seamingly nowhere. Was he creating them or bringing it from another place? If so, where? Virgil would've asked if he hadn't already waved away Roman's question about his lighting/Storm powers.

Virgil muttered a "thank you" and poured a spoonful of boiling water in the charred chocolate and began mixing.

Roman quietly mixed some sugar and then began to reheat whatever oil he'd been using to cook the churros.

It didn't take too long for Virgil to revive the chocolate.

"How did you save it?" Roman asked incredulously. He placed a plate of freshly cooked churros, and a bowl of mixed sugars, in the centre of the table. He tried to pick up one of the churros but dropped it, blowing one his fingers to try cool them down.

Virgil grabbed Roman's dropped churro. He dipped it in the sugar and stirred it idly in the chocolate.

"If you somehow hadn't noticed, Patton likes to bake cookies, like, all the time."

"Uh-huh."

"Well he doesn't like to read recipes and we both get distracted pretty easily- plus, neither of us have any sense of time- so we've burnt a lot of chocolate. And we did this one time at the apartment and Logan came out of his room for once and got all Lecture Mode and told us that when you burn it you basically remove loads of moisture or whatever so you just re-moisturize it." Virgil took a bit of the churro then reconsidered his words. "That sounds weird. But... Yeah."

"I guess the know-it-all does know some useful facts after all. Let the record show, I always had full faith in him."

"You just called him a know-it-all."

"Unimportant." Roman said, dismissing the statement with a wave of his hand. He reached for a churro but they were still steaming hot. It was possible he'd overheated the oil a bit.

To Roman's surprise, Virgil grabbed and ate another churro without issue.

"How are you not burning yourself? These churros are hotter than Hades' hair."

"They're not that hot." Virgil shrugged.

"Virgil, they're steaming hot." He poked one. "Like me but in a less fun way."

Virgil suppressed a laugh. "Drama queen."

"Emo nightmare." Roman retorted.

Virgil began to think of a witty reply but found that 'emo nightmare' was really more of a compliment. He instead replied, "Thank you."

Roman summoned a fork and stabbed a churro. He did his best to fully cover it in sugar and chocolate without dropping it and, somehow, did so successfully. It was a truly heathenly way to eat a churro, he knew, but he was hungry.

After several churros (which never seemed to cool down, by the way), Virgil finally worked up the courage to ask, "So... When are we going back to America?"

Roman wiped some chocolate off of his chin. "What's the rush? Do you have work? A date? Some emo band concert tickets?"

"Ha-ha." Virgil deadpanned. "But no. No plans. Just... You know... America?" <i>Smooth.<i/>

"Alright, My-Chemically-Imbalanced-Romance, as you wish. How about I escort you home after we both get ready?"

"Both get ready? God, we're never leaving." Virgil sniped.

"Ha-ha. I don't take that long to get ready-"

"You're the reason Logan made morning bathroom schedules."

"-<i>But<i/> I have no plans today so I have no need for makeup. Just a quick shower. I'll use the en suite in the main bedroom if you want to use the main; I know you prefer to shower at night but since you were a little busy last night..."

<i>'A little busy' was an understatement,<i/> Virgil thought, but he agreed.

-

Despite Roman's promise to be quick, Virgil was ready a whole half an hour before Roman, who sauntered in at 5:30pm (Spanish time, which Virgil didn't know how to convert to his normal time), a whole hour after breakfast.

"Dude."

"Alright, it took a smidge longer than I'd previously anticipated- outfits and all- but I'm here now. You ready to go?"

Virgil ended his conversation with Patton, who'd been texting him from work, and slipped his phone is his hoodie pocket. He stood up. Roman walked over and took him by his hands. "What are you doing?"

"We need to be touching, apparently."

Virgil recoiled. "Apparently?"

Roman laughed nervously. "I've never teleported with someone else with me."

Virgil sighed and offered Roman his hands, "Great."

Roman accepted. He held Virgil's hands tightly, which sent sparks up and down his spine (possibly literally, it was hard to tellwith him) and closed his eyes for a second, then let go. He proposed, "Why don't we for a walk first? There truly are some splendid views around here."

"Roman."

"It must be almost sunset, very picturesque-"

"Roman."

Roman collapsed onto the couch. "It didn't work."

"What do you mean 'It didn't work'?"

"I tried to take us back to the apartment, back to my room, your room, behind the apartment, backstage at the Mind Palace... Nada."

"Why?"

"I can't do it when people are watching," Virgil raised his eyebrows. "Or cameras. I guess somebody's home."

"You don't say."

"No need to fret, though, we can try again a bit later. Somewhere's got to be empty eventually."

Virgil flopped down onto the couch next to him.

"Actually," Roman turned to Virgil, "I have another solution. May take a while though. Need to send a few texts. Want to go for a walk?"

Virgil bit his lip. He hated having no control. "Okay."

"Curses, my phone's dead. Please spare me a second."

"Give it here." Virgil said, already regretting it.

Roman handed over his phone with very little hesitation. Virgil's phone was his lifeline; he doubted he could hand it over as easily as Roman had.

Virgil placed the phone between both of his palms, like a sandwich. He glanced towards Roman then back at the phone. Energy coursed through his hands, like constant static shock, although a lot less painful. He watched as the minute switched over to 17:29, and as the battery percentage steadily increased. He stopped at 20%, which took a minute, as it was 17:30 when he was done, although Virgil hadn't noticed the time passing, too focused on his task.

He could've charges the phone up fully, or a little faster but if he'd learnt anything from the seven phone batteries he'd killed within a week, it was best to take it slowly. The last thing he wanted was to ruin Roman's nice phone.

"There." Virgil handed the phone back to Roman.

Roman desperately wanted to pepper Virgil with questions about his (awesome) powers, but he'd been raised a polite gentleman and opted to only thank Virgil, no questions asked. He knew both of them were equally curious of the other's abilities, but perhaps it wasn't the right time. He'd let Virgil ask the first question.

Roman sent a series of texts and received a response almost instantly. It was technically part of her job.

Plans were made- which Virgil knew not of, for no reason other than that he didn't ask, and this wasn't something Roman paticularly wanted to be known- for an hour's time. That left plenty of time for a nice walk, and hopefully an enlightening chat, Roman thought.

----------

Taglist: *insert audio of the zoe 101 oOh*

Chapter 1:

Chapter 8:

Chapter 10: in progress

[quirkyquantumqueen]

Alright, I think it’s time to talk some more about my recent London trip. I’m gonna start with all the wonderful shows I got to see. I really made the most of it and saw 6 shows in 4 days (Is this how Darren feels whenever he’s in NYC? :D). I used all different kinds of methods to get tickets. I feel like I kinda ticket-EGOTed (regular, TKTS, in-person rush, rush via app).

This is gonna be long, so... 

Come From Away: I’ve seen this show last year on Broadway and wanted to get back to it ever since. I bought regular tickets in advance - 3rd row stalls off to the side (side view wasn’t a big problem and I wanted to be close to the stage to see the faces). What can I say? I love this show with all my heart. It’s so warm and heartfelt and incredibly human. I laughed and cried (usually at the same time) and came out of the theater feeling like my heart has doubled in size.  One particular thing I love about the show is how tightly constructed it is. It’s basically 100 minutes, no intermission, one scene after the other. You never really get to take a breath. For the most part there isn’t even any pause for applause. And I think what that does is keep you completely inside the story. You know when you think about it, applause always takes you out of the story and makes you aware of the fact that you’re sitting in a theater watching actors/singers do their thing. Without that you almost completely forget that you’re watching a performance. And then in the end you have all this pent-up energy. Both here in London and on Broadway, there was like an instant standing ovation. Well deserved, obviously. I could talk about this show forever. But for now let me just say that everybody needs to see this show and let’s move on.

Waitress: I queued for day seats. Was third in line and got second row on the balcony - really great view! The show was fun. I mean in the end the story is a lot about how becoming a mother changes your view on life. Since I’m not a mother and don’t plan on being one anytime soon, I think I can’t really relate to that. But apart from that, I really enjoyed the show. Katherine McPhee was great. Her voice is really pleasent. (Check out this new video of her and Sara singing She Used To Be Mine together.) Rest of the cast was great, too. I also love how they incorporate the band into the show. I always like when the musicians aren’t hidden down in the orchestra pit. 

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Got day seats for that one, too. I went to the theater at around 9am and was the only one there. There weren’t even any other people when the box office openend. So I got I think 3rd or 4th row. Pretty high stage though, so wouldn’t have wanted to be closer than that. So for those who don’t know, this is a British show about 16 year-old guy named Jamie who wants to be a drag queen and just in general not adhere to the gender stereotypes. The show basically deals with how his classmates and family react to that. It’s a really fun and heartfelt show with a very important message. Given that I went to the matinee, there were quite a lot of students in the audience, which I loved. Kudos to the teachers who take their kids to see those kinds of shows.

Les Miserables: Got discount tickets at TKTS. Very far in the back on the balcony though. I thought I should take one of the big classics into the mix. Gotta say that I didn’t really love it, though (Please don’t hurt me :D). I think the more modern musicals speak more to me. I think it’s maybe just the way that storytelling has changed? To be honest, the story just feels unnecessarily convoluted but at the same time kinda boring? I almost fell asleep during the 2nd act (*ducks and hides*). Also sung-through musicals have always been a bit of a pet peeve for me. When they do the opera-style “I’m speaking but with a strange intonation so this basically counts as singing” I always get annoyed and just think to myself “Can’t you just talk like a normal person?” I have the same problem with RENT, too, for example. But anyway, in the end, hearing One Day More alone was basically worth the money. And I mean the whole production is just on a whole different scale than all the other musicals I saw with the huge orchestra and like 20 people in the ensemble. 

Curious Incident: Got rush tickets via the TodayTix app. Somewhere in the balcony, decent view. I really loved this production! The way they use the huge screens and the other tech is really clever and effective. Great acting, too!

Six: Bought regular tickets in advance. Almost at the very back but it’s a really small theater so the view was still pretty good. Okay, this show really is something else! Loved loved loved it. Before the show even began, they played harpsichord covers of modern pop songs and that set the vibe for the whole show which is simultaneously “What the fuck is happening?” and “I really love this”. So the story here is basically that the six ex-wives of Henry 8th have formed a super girl group and are on a concert tour to tell their own stories. So it’s the 6 queens and their all-female backing band. I love the musicals as concerts setting. It just creates a very specific vibe where the audience becomes a much more active part of the whole performance (see also Hedwig). The whole show is so much fun and it has this crazy amazing energy. The queens are all badass and super talented and I wanted to marry every single one of them. The cast album has been on repeat since I came home. They have just announced the cast for a Chicago run and I predict it’ll come to Broadway soon, too. Definitely recommend seeing it if you ever get the chance!

So there you have it. All in all, I’ve seen some really great theater. Lots of variety, too!

Maybe as a final thought: I really noticed how good theater is at putting normal-looking people on stage? Just compared to how people are portrayed in Hollywood. Like, a mom will look like a regular mom, not like a supermodel. It’s so refreshing to see different body types and all kinds of minorities represented. 

[hawkinsborne]

Starter for || @citysided​

     Working at Scoops Ahoy had definitely been a job. One that paid alright for what it was worth and the benefit of free ice cream, if he was ever really desiring a sweet treat, but he knew he'd instantly have to hit the gym afterwards to keep his physique in check. After all, his hair wasn't the only thing to get him dates and other such things. Still, he hated the outfit more than he could put into words. A sailor? What a big fat lie that happened to be and the hat? It ruined his perfectly sculpted hair. The hair that he spent so long on every morning to make sure each strand was perfect. The stupid hat hid all of his hard work and he looked a dork that would run around with Henderson and the others in school. He wasn't that dork. No. He may have been their self appointed babysitter, but he'd never be anything aside from that.

     Still, the mall brought in new people, not just from Hawkins but the surrounding areas as well. It opened the dating pool by miles and he couldn't complain too much, especially the people that worked there. He had met a few new friends, flirted with a few new people. Got his way into free movies and food from time to time and clothes on discounted prices, all by just working his charm and talking to people. Then there was Kurt. Kurt was great. Steve liked their conversations and would stop by the store he worked in from time to time for a small chat here and there. Budding friendships started everywhere, right? He had Kurt and a few others that were starting to bud and in reality, Steve felt pretty good about life right now, despite the dumb fake sailor uniform he would have to put on almost every day.

     Steve Harrington had a dilemma, however. He was stuck with an extra ticket to a concert that he was meant to attend with Robin but she suddenly had new plans. Disappointment rose in his chest as he knits eyebrows together at her words. How could she abandon him on a night that was meant for the two of them to let loose, have fun, flirt with other people and just be stupid teenagers again? How could she not want to attend the queen that was Cyndi Lauper in concert? How could-- That was when it happened. That was when Robin's smile caused Steve to question her with a raised eyebrow, gaze following that of her own as she mentions asking Kurt to join him instead.

     He moves, walking around the counter, flipping the ice cream slinger in his hand before pocketing it as he walks up to the other male in the opening area of Scoops Ahoy. "Hey Kurt!" He calls after him, jogging to catch up to the other, his smile growing ever so slightly across his features. "What are you doing in a few weeks? On a Friday? At like 7pm?"

[forumofkuka]

Vans Warped Tour 2018: My Amazing First & Unfortunate Last

When I discovered my love for the emo subculture during the summer after 7th grade, I began expanding and refining my taste in both fashion and music. Spending countless hours on Tumblr - discovering new artists and designers - I eventually came across the epitome of emo/punk celebrations: Vans Warped Tour. As a nationally-touring, all-day rock & roll/punk/metal festival, Warped Tour became the unofficial holiday for all those who identified as “alternative,” almost like a family reunion. Each date of Warped Tour across the United States was a unique opportunity for all the surrounding scene queens, metalheads, and pop punk kids to come together, an event that truly seems like the only one of its kind. Here, dozens of bands/artists come together, perform sets on various stages scattered around the arena, sell their merchandise at (sometimes discounted) prices, and host meet & greets/signings for their fans to attend. Additionally, in the midst of all the music, alternative clothing brands, charity organizations, and local food trucks offer all kinds of products, some you buy and others you can win! Warped Tour is an opportunity for devoted fans to see many of their favorite artists take the stage, as well as discover new ones.

Ever since I discovered Warped Tour, I’ve wanted to attend; every summer, they make a stop in my state, in a city that is barely 20 minutes from my house, yet I’ve never been able to go because the festival always seemed to fall on my mother’s birthday or a vacation outside of the country. Finally, as I’ve graduated high school, Vans announces that 2018 will be the final year for a cross-country Warped Tour. Seeing the heightened stakes, I knew that this was the year I had to go, no matter what; fortunately enough, my local date fell three days after my mom’s birthday, and with a couple of friends, we bought a 4-ticket pack and planned our attendance!

Although it has become less prevalent in my day-to-day demeanor and appearance, my love for alternative music and edgier style hasn’t faltered. Sure, I’ve given away many of my Hot Topic graphic tees and lessened the black makeup, but if anything, I’m listening to post-hardcore, newcore, hard rock, and pop punk even more. Warped Tour encouraged me to step outside of my usual and to finally listen to iconic groups that I’ve neglected to give a chance in the past. Their names were very familiar in my head, but when it came to their actual music, I was clueless.

Two weeks before my mid-July date, I decided to create a collaborative Spotify playlist, where my friends and I (mostly me haha) added our favorite bops from artists that we knew we HAD to try and see. Through personal exploration, I finally listened to Tonight Alive’s latest album, Underworld, and absolutely fell in love. I wish I had given them a chance earlier! Although I didn’t end up sticking around until their set, I know now that I have a new band to keep up with and to hopefully get to see live in the future.

In addition to ‘studying’ for Warped, I spent a couple of weeks coming up with the ultimate outfit. Because I don’t get decked out in checkered patterns, fishnets, and band tees on a regular basis, I wanted to go all out for this festival, even more so because I’d be surrounded by people who were going to do the exact same!

When we finally arrived, July 15th, 2018, at Xfinity Theatre, I felt almost euphoric. I don’t think my friends or I could describe to you how smiley I was. Because of crazy traffic, we walked a little over half a mile to the actual entrance. As much as I’m super proud of being an emo, I didn’t hold back from laughing with my friends at how stereotypical or cringey some of our fellow concertgoers were - I mean, come on, alternative kids are usually outcasts for a reason and I’m not going to deny that we’re usually freaks LOL, I know I am! It was so so so hot outside, but there were many opportunities to affordably stay hydrated, since Vans Warped Tour hosted a large, FREE hydration station right by the Journey Stage and the entrance. At most concerts, any beverages - alcoholic or not - are never complimentary, and so I think this anomaly only shows the care and consideration the creators of Warped Tour have for its fans and attendees.

I felt so in my element. For years, I had only ever had a handful of friends who only moderately shared an interest in this subculture, but it was never to the same extent as I did. Being at Warped Tour finally gave me a chance to feel free, an opportunity for me to not have to tone down or hide this actual part of my identity. Looking back, I’m happy with how it went. We ended up splitting up in pairs for parts of the day, but I was able to watch or listen as I walked around to the sets of almost a dozen bands: Doll Skin, Issues, Real Friends, Unearth, Wage War, The Amity Affliction, The Story Untold, Northlane, Ice Nine Kills, Crown the Empire. Although I didn’t watch all of them fully, and there were various others I had wanted to see, it was so much fun to get a taste of different styles of music, ranging from pop-punk to metalcore, and to also see the vibes of the crowds. Never in my life, have I seen so much dust in the air from crowd-surfing, headbanging, and mosh-pitting. It was amazing, and with concerts already being such a euphoric and almost spiritual experience for me, I loved it even more.

Out of all four of us, I’m definitely the one in the group who is more extroverted, aggressive, eccentric, and just overall “out there.” I almost ran away from the group at times, as I would walk ahead of the group, looking around, and was the only one who seemed to be able to beeline through the crowds. 

Rather than spending ridiculous amounts on junk food, I was able to bring in half a dozen, packaged mini cucumbers, and surprisingly didn’t get them confiscated. Although it was a strange snack to bring, it worked out pretty well as an addition hydration boost!

Instead of droning on about the minute-to-minute occurrences of the day, I’ll summarize some highlights.

One of the funnier moments of the day was unexpectedly walking by a faculty member from high school, decked out in all black with his swoopy, punk-styled ginger hair. I had no idea he was into this kind of scene, but seconds after we walked by, a set ended and he quickly left. While I don’t know if he walked away because he saw that we had seen him, it was such a surprise that the one familiar person we’d see that day, wasn’t a student but someone who had worked in the IT department at our high school.

Another moment was when I was buying an Official Vans Warped Tour T-Shirt, and a girl came up to me, in order to compliment me on my outfit. To be honest, she wasn’t the only one to praise me for my checkered overalls, blue barlot crop top, fishnets, and dark gray Doc Martens. I even received a free sticker from a vendor for my overalls! I felt so warm inside, seeing others appreciate these stylistic choices that I had very much been excited about displaying! What stood out to me about this moment with this girl, in particular, was that she had actually tried complimenting me from her car, as my friends and I were walking to the venue, but I hadn’t heard her! The fact she came across me and went up to me, just to tell me, was so sweet <3

To continue on this train of highlights, although I had went into Warped Tour, not planning on getting anything signed or waiting in line for a meet & greet, I ended up meeting The Story Untold and getting all of their signatures on my phone case! Before Warped Tour, I had definitely seen their name around the internet, knowing they were a pop-punk band. Nonetheless, I had never listened to them before and didn’t get a chance to before the festival. When we were walking around the different stands, partly to see what’s there, partly to kill time until Ice Nine Kills was set to take the stage at 4:00pm, we decided to take refuge by the Fueled by Ramen stand and reapply sunscreen in the shade of the tent. While standing there, we had overheard a really good set by this pop-punk band that turned out to be The Story Untold. Hearing how good they had sounded, we decided to get closer and become more a part of the crowd. After jamming out to their songs, “History” and “Delete,” they had announced that they were going to their nearby stand for a meet & greet shortly after. Seeing as we had loved their set and weren’t planning on going elsewhere for the next hour, we quickly ran to their stand and managed to be within a dozen people from the very front of the line. When watching their set, their lead singer vaguely reminded me of All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth, in both appearance and sound. In between songs, he mentioned something about the group being French-Canadian, with the drummer, Johnathan Landry, having horrible English, as a part of a bit that continued on. While waiting in line, I kept thinking about why these two thoughts felt familiar, until I realized that the lead singer was Janick Thibault. Back in 2016, I remember watching a few of his All Time Low/Green Day covers on Youtube, at a time when I don’t think he was in the band. The world truly works in mysterious ways. I hadn’t thought about him since, and so it was crazy that we happened to be chilling by the Owly.fm stage, right when they were in the middle of their performance.

Aside from The Story Untold, my favorite set was by Ice Nine Kills, a band that was in my Top Three to see for the day. Besides being basically in love with Spencer Charnas, I absolutely loved their performance. In addition to sounding great, they really took their theatrical sound to the next level by having everyone in the band dress up as iconic and classic horror movie serial killers, such as Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th) and Freddie Krueger (Nightmare on Elm Street). Having probably something to do with their two latest singles, “The American Nightmare” and “Thank God It’s Friday,” it was really fun to watch, and their music completely encouraged an awesome moshpit (that I watched from afar) and a ton of head-banging.

The one downside of the day was having to leave 3 hours or so earlier than I had planned. Of course, it was mildly expected, but that’s part of going in a group, you make compromises, and with some friends not feeling well periodically throughout the day, it was my turn to sacrifice, especially since out of everyone, I was able to see the most artists on my list. Although it was advertised as the last cross-country tour, I know my friends and I - as well as many others - hope that that simply means that Vans Warped Tour might be a regional event, with separate tours on the East and West Coast. Warped Tour was a true moment of liberation for me and I will forever remember July 18th, 2018 as a peak of not only my 2018 summer, but my 2018 year as well.

[yearsblog]

Years & Years are set to release their second album, Palo Santo, on 6th July. It’s been a long time in the making since their last album, Communion, was released in 2015, but I have to admit it’s worth the wait. Their new album oozes the same electro-pop anthems with beautiful lyrics that they delivered on their debut, which can already be seen with pre-released ‘Sanctify’ and ‘If You’re Over Me’. They have also recently announced a UK tour at the end of November, including a massive tour date at London's O2. I interviewed Emre Türkmen from the band, responsible for all the synths and beats behind Olly Alexander’s vocals, to talk about the tour and the new album.

Hey Emre, are you excited about releasing your new album?

Yeah, yeah very much. I mean it’s been a long time, right?

Yeah, 2015! I remember seeing you guys at this tiny venue in Essex after your first album came out, was there any reason for the gap between the albums?

Well, the thing is, when we released the album in 2015 it was like we were touring, and we toured for solidly for two years. We had been touring for almost a year before that and had been a support act for Clean Bandit and Sam Smith, so we toured for like three years straight and then we were exhausted. We then started making the album and it takes a long time to be honest.

That’s understandable, speaking of the new album I’ve listened to it and I love it! Are you excited to get back on tour?

Yeah, I mean, it’s a little scary because you never know how things are going to go. I had been on the tour bus for two years and I was in one again for the first time a few days ago and it’s like muscle memory, you know, it comes back to you. The new show is epic, huge and really cool, so I’m quite excited to get back on the road and go to crazy places  I haven’t been to, it should be really good fun.

I’m really looking forward to it! I saw you guys are doing a date at The O2 in London, how does that feel? I first saw you guys in such a small venue and now you’re hopefully filling a whole arena, it must be surreal?

It’s a bit mad isn’t it? I’m going to have to try and invite as many friends as I can to fill that bloody place! If you think about it you go a bit mad though, don’t you? We played Wembley as our final show of the tour last year, kind of, and that was like 11,000 people and I do remember thinking, this is bonkers, this isn’t right! I don’t know how many The O2 holds, it’s sort of a different thing entirely. Small gigs are really cool as well but in a totally different way, but gigs like The O2 are like a Hollywood blockbuster, just got to go for it. If you think about it too much it all falls apart so you just have to get on with it.

Do you have a favourite venue you’ve ever played?

Oh god, if we discount festivals; that’s a good question. The first thing off the top of my head is there’s a venue in Paris, I think it’s the Olympia which is a really wonderful old building that we played where Jeff Buckley and so many others have played; a really cool building with lots of heritage, that was really good fun. Then on the other end of the scale, I really enjoyed playing in Glasgow in a small venue… what was it called? Ah… it’ll come to me when I’m not thinking about it, but we played there at this tiny little venue and we found out we were number one just as we were about to go on stage. There’s loads, there’s too many. I really love Brixton Academy, I’ll be honest, I’ve seen so many bands there, so it’s got a special place in my heart and heritage. But, yeah, too many.

Do you have a favourite track from the new album?

I really like 'Rendezvous', which we’ve started playing live now and we play it a little bit faster and I’m like damn we should’ve recorded it a little faster but it’s not, but it’s still pretty groovy.

Is there any reason you picked the track ‘Palo Santo’ as the album title?

Olly picked it, but I think it was the first song he wrote after Communion for the second album and we all love that song. Palo Santo is a type of wood that people burn, and it has a lovely smell, the idea is it cleanses your soul of evil spirits or something and is translated to holy wood, many layers there for you! But that’s why we called it that.

What was the writing process like for this album? Did it differ from the last album or was it similar?

It differed in the sense that the album itself has a lot of tracks with other people in collaboration, so it wasn’t quite the same as Communion where it was just the three of us. There’s quite a lot of songs we worked together on the album that will be released after as well. There were quite a lot of other people involved and a lot of it was written in LA, whereas the first album was kind of Olly in a room or all three of us in a room which was a bit more indie and this album is a bit more, you know, you’re a big band now you have to go to LA.

Was there anything that influenced this album in particular? Any music genres or anything in real life?

Actually, the opposite, in terms of music it was kind of a pick and mix as a lot of the songs are very different from each other. We had no problems with anything sounding different as it doesn’t seem to be a right way to think about it anymore, I hate to say it but the album as one piece is not where we’re at as it’s all sorts of music. It’s quite poppy and a bit more happy on the surface but still deals with all the usual traumatic stuff – relationships; it’s all Olly’s heartbreak.

Do you have a favourite memory from touring?

There are loads, but there’s one particular one after we played a show in Minneapolis and then we had a day off. Our tour manager in the US was from Minneapolis herself and she introduced us to her tattoo artist friends, and we all got tattoos. We then all got drunk and ended up in a bar where drag queens were performing and there was a singing competition and I ended up on like, you know those mechanical bulls, on one of those and we watched the competition and that was a good night.

What music are you currently listening to?

I’m trying to get into the new Arctic Monkey’s album but I’m struggling a little bit, it’s not because I’m like a meathead, like give me rock and roll man, but I’m just hoping it’ll grow on me. I really like the new Ariana Grande song and Courtney Barnett, she’s pretty good. I listen to a lot of old music, like 90’s music. I went to go see Bruno Mars the other day. I saw him in concert and that was ridiculously good. He was so good live, it was crazy, we were like woah, that is one big show he puts on.

What can we expect from you guys in the future?

Who knows, because we don’t know, but in the immediate future we’ll be on the road to a town near you.

Palo Santo is released on July 6th, Years & Years are touring the UK in November, you can get tickets here.

[arts-su]

What’s On in London: April Edition

The holidays are almost over but that doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself away in the library (not yet anyway)! 

Here’s a few of the cultural hits you shouldn’t miss this month...

Exhibition

Another Kind of Life: Photography on the Margins

This exhibition, featuring works from the 1950s to the present day of 20 photographers, puts the focus on those who maneuver through the outskirts of society. The images presented are often immersive and sometimes make for uncomfortable but powerful viewing. They capture the lives of minorities ranging from cross-dressing sex workers in the midst of a murderous Chilean regime seen in Paz Errázuriz’s work, to the stories of teen abuse and homelessness in California observed by Jim Goldberg. The exhibition, being shown at the Barbican, is on for less than another two months and at a student price of just £9 is not to be missed. The emotional and powerful stories of these individuals deserve to be known.

The Great British Seaside

For an initial toe-dip into the (potentially) warmer months, take a trip to Greenwich and the National Maritime Museum for an exhibition visiting 6 decades of photography from 4 of Britain’s favourite photographers, including new works from Martin Parr shot across British seasides in summer 2017. Featuring the iconic symbols and eccentricities of a day at the seaside, with fish & chips, colourful deckchairs and resistant rained on family days out galore- the exhibition is sure to summon some nostalgic feelings and probably inspire your own seaside trip in the not-too-distant future. The exhibition is £10.50 (plus 10%  for concessions, and in the perfect surroundings of Greenwich Park, where a short walk up a hill will reveal one of London’s most stunning skyline views, and a short walk in the other direction will take you to a host of quaint shops, cafes and market stalls, so you can easily make a day of it.

Cinema

Nevertheless, She Persisted: Suffrage, Cinema and Beyond

As part of the Barbican’s ‘The Art of Change’ season, a series of films exploring courageous words and rebellions from women around the world, will be shown over a week this month. The title draws direct inspiration from the 2017 senate vote to silence senator Elizabeth Warren, and the subsequent comment unwittingly made by Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, that was adopted by the feminist movement. The series includes Shola Lynch’s documentary, Chisholm '72: Unbought and Unbossed, that follows the story of Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the US congress and discrimination she overcame for her race and gender. 

Other films in the series include The Divine Order, a story of the political awakening of an oppressed housewife in 70s Switzerland campaigning for the vote for women; Leila and the Wolves, which tells the story of Arab women throughout several decades of the twentieth century through a mix of archive footage and dramatized situations and Be Pretty and Shut Up, presenting the 1972 interviews of frustrated actress, Delphine Seyrig, with French and American actresses including the likes of Jane Fonda, revealing the tales of the patriarchal studio system they work under. Concession tickets are £12.50 or just £5 for those up to the age of 25 who sign up as Young Barbican member for free online. The season runs from the 18th - 24th April.  

Concert

Singing with Nightingale’s

For a truly unique celebration of Spring (hopefully reflected in weather) join the audience at the Southbank on Saturday 28th for a late evening duet between bird and man. Mercury Prize nominated Sam Lee is joined by fellow folk artists, Kadialy Kouyate and Dónal Kearney for a concert defined by songs accompanied by the sweet sound of the nightingale, streamed live into the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, overlooking the dusky London skyline. The evening also features an immersive light show to accompany the atmospheric choral journey through the nightingale’s tale. This is sure to be a powerful, meditative night of song and story. Students get a 25% discount on tickets - book online now to avoid disappointment.

Theatre

Faceless

If you are in the mood for some gripping theatre this month, the intimate Park Theatre in Finsbury Park begins a run of ‘Faceless’ on the 17th, a play exploring some extremely interesting and relevant themes. The story, written by Selina Fillinger, takes inspiration from a real court case in the US, following a typical internet obsessed Chicago teen, Susie, who is convinced by someone online to convert to Islamic faith and make the journey to Syria. Susie is arrested for conspiring to commit acts of terrorism, and faces prosecution from a recent Harvard Law graduate and Muslim, who will aim to charge the teen to the full extent of US law. Concession tickets are £16.50, however the theatre operates a young patrons scheme for those aged 16-25 which is free to join and means £10 preview tickets can be secured as well as 10% off food and drink in the lovely all-day café/bar the theatre operate- the full English breakfast comes highly recommended!

Photo sources in order of appearance: © David Mills; © Paz Errázuriz found at Barbican.org.uk; © Martin Parr/Magnum Photos found at rmg.co.uk; found at Barbican.org.uk; found at Southbankcentre.co.uk; found at parktheatre.co.uk

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If you are in London on the 10th or 11th June why not attend The Household Division Beating Retreat, tickets on sale now. . 10th & 11th June 2020. . 🇬🇧 These annual concerts are performed on Horse Guards Parade, each year on the Wednesday & Thursday preceding the Queen’s Birthday, or “Trooping The Colour” as it is often called. . 🇬🇧 It is a spectacular evening of music & military precision drill, including horses, cannon & fireworks. . 🇬🇧 This year the event will take place on Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th June 2020. . 👑 The theme this year will be ‘THE SWORD AND THE CROWN”, paying tribute to Her Majesty the Queen, recognizing the service of the Foot Guards & the British Army in defence of the Nation at home & abroad, marking the 75 years of peace in Europe since the end of World War II. . 🎫 Tickets start from £20 & there is a 10% discount on purchases for 10 tickets or more. You can purchase tickets directly online at tickets.householddivision.org.uk . 👑 Each year, one member of The Royal Family attends to take the Royal Salute (this happens on the Thursday). Last year the Duchess of Cambridge attended. . Where: Horse Guards, Whitehall  LONDON, SW1A 2AX . What is Beating Retreat? . 🇬🇧 A spectacular evening pageant of music & military precision drill, including horses, cannon & fireworks. These annual concerts are performed on Horse Guards parade in front of the beautiful backdrop of St James’s Park each year on the Wednesday & Thursday evening preceding “Trooping the Colour” (The Queen’s Birthday Parade). . 🎫 Seated & wheelchair tickets available from £20 to £45. Wheelchair ticket includes a companion on the same ticket. . https://tickets.householddivision.org.uk . Visit @householddivision . . . #BeatingRetreat #Householddivision #QueensGuard #FootGuards #HouseholdCavaly #BritishArmy #TheQueen #Ceremony #tradition #military #British #hermajesty #hermajestythequeen #TroopingtheColour #HorseguardsParade #Horseguards #Whitehall #London #visitlondon #visitengland #visitbritain #Royalfamily #queenelizabethii #katemiddleton #duchessofcambridge #CatherineDuchessofCambridge #Heritage #Royalty #horses #Ceremonial (at Horse Guards Parade) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9MgfPTH35w/?igshid=1fiweuzcyef06

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TFN Declassified: Entry 1 - Pricing Previews

With the new year turning and the ticket sale date approaching (3rd February 2018), we wanted to make sure all potential attendees of TFNation 2018 knew the full deal when it comes to booking a ticket for the convention and a room with the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

Much like the past years, the TFNation crew has been able to agree with the Hilton team on discounted rates for the duration of the event. However, we do ask that attendees please show the same consideration that they always have when booking rooms, and only choose the ones fitted to their needs.

What you can find below are details for event tickets, the additional Stan Bush concert fees (as first announced here), and pricing for accommodation.

EVENT PRICES

WEEKEND TICKETS

Includes convention access on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as access to Saturday evening ‘Club Con’ event.

(Please note the Friday and ‘Club Con’ programmes do not involve trading)

- Senior (60+) £20.00 - Adult (18-59) £60.00 - Young Adult (16-17) £30.00 - Child (0-15) Weekend: Free, with ticket-holding Adult/Senior. - Stan Bush concert tickets add-on (weekend attendee): £15.00 per person.

SATURDAY ONLY

(Please note that Saturday only tickets do not include access to ‘Club Con’)

- Senior (60+) £15.00 - Adult (18-59) £35.00 - Young Adult (16-17) £20.00 - Child (0-15) Saturday: Free, with ticket-holding Adult/Senior. - Stan Bush concert tickets add-on (Saturday only attendee): £20.00 per person.

SUNDAY ONLY

- Senior (60+) £10.00 - Adult (18-59) £30.00 - Young Adult (16-17) £15.00 - Child (0-15) Sunday: Free, with ticket-holding Adult/Senior.

Prices include access to the trading hall, the Forge, panels and guest areas. There is no additional charge for autographs on your own items, though many of our guests will have merchandise which you may wish to purchase at a small cost.

Please remember that all activities at TFNation are subject to availability and room capacities. Thank you for your understanding.

THE HOTEL

The Hilton Birmingham Metropole National Exhibition Centre Birmingham B40 1PP United Kingdom

HOTEL PRICES

The TFNation 2018 exclusive nightly rate is as follows:

- £70.00 - Single Deluxe room - (including breakfast) - £80.00 - Twin Deluxe room - (including breakfast for up to two people) - £80.00 - Queen Deluxe - (including breakfast for one or two people)

(Special rates are strictly subject to availability.)

ADDITIONAL ROOM TYPES

In previous years we have also been able to secure an allocation of Executive rooms and Family rooms. We are hopeful that this will also be the case for TFNation 2018, however we ask attendees to please be mindful of the fact that these more expensive room types are provided at the Hilton’s discretion, based upon the needs of all guests for the weekend.

Please note that Family room options are ONLY to be booked by families and not by single attendees. Please be mindful of those whose entire weekend depends on this room type.

Thank you for your understanding.

DISCOUNTED NIGHTS

Accommodation is available at our discounted rate on the following nights:

- Friday 17th August 2017 - Saturday 18th August 2017 - Sunday 19th August 2017

As with previous years, we have requested that the discount is extended to additional nights (either side of our contracted dates) to assist attendees who wish to stay for longer than the convention runs. Again, we ask attendees to please remember that it is ultimately a matter of hotel discretion as to whether it is able to accommodate additional nights at the reduced rate.

Details on how to book your room will be forwarded to you with your TFNation ticket confirmation email, once sales open on 3rd February 2018. We anticipate that demand will be exceptionally high, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

To ensure you receive updates as soon as they are available, join our mailing list at https://tfnation.com