Affectionately referred to by Elton John as “the greatest songwriter on the planet” and praised by the New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Grammy nominee Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation. He is the son of folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and brother of Martha Wainwright, but Rufus has achieved his success by carving out his own singular sound in the worlds of rock, opera, theatre, dance and film.

Oxford’s all-male a cappella group and stars of Britain’s Got Talent take to the stage for their annual all-vocal extravaganza, showcasing their award-winning combination of vibrant vocals, outrageously unprofessional choreography and occasionally intentional comedy for two nights only! With music ranging from Stevie Wonder to Jessie J, be blown away by these local boys’ touching musicality and irrepressible energy.

'True, simple entertainment' ***** What’s on Stage

'If you don’t enjoy yourself you’re officially the curmudgeon of the millennium' The Scotsman

'Brilliant!' Michael McIntyre

Oxford’s all-male a cappella group and stars of Britain’s Got Talent take to the stage for their annual all-vocal extravaganza, showcasing their award-winning combination of vibrant vocals, outrageously unprofessional choreography and occasionally intentional comedy for two nights only! With music ranging from Stevie Wonder to Jessie J, be blown away by these local boys’ touching musicality and irrepressible energy.

'True, simple entertainment' ***** What’s on Stage

'If you don’t enjoy yourself you’re officially the curmudgeon of the millennium' The Scotsman

'Brilliant!' Michael McIntyre

Simon Bookish + Leafcutter John perform a special set of strange and delicate new versions of the Bookish back catalogue with live electronics. Simon Bookish makes pop music that is steeped in playful experimentalism. His rich, distinctive voice gives soul to his catchy songs. He has worked with artists including Patrick Wolf, Saint Etienne, Max de Wardener, Franz Ferdinand, Grizzly Bear and Late of the Pier. Leafcutter John creates beautifully delicate electronica, layering sounds (often captured from nature), acoustic instruments and touching vocals. He is also a member of Polar Bear (Mercury Music Prize nominees).

Heat 3, Thursday 17th March
Karmadillo (Acoustic/Folk/Pop) www.myspace.com/karmadildo
Lexie Green (Acoustic/Folk) - www.myspace.com/lexiegreen
Alex Holmes (Jazz/pop/Soul)- www.myspace.com/alexholmesmusic
The Willows (Acoustic/Folk) - www.myspace.com/thewillowsbandmusic

The Cambridge Band Competition boasts an eclectic mix of performers this year. From over 75 entries, we’ve narrowed it down to 16 acts. Now it’s time for that crucial public vote…

Every Thursday evening in March you’ll get a chance to see the cream of the local music crop in the contest heats at The Portland Arms. Your vote will help us decide which band bags that plum spot on the main stage at Strawberry Fair this year.

The Contest Heats are every Thursday in March at The Portland Arms (129 Chesterton Rd, CB4 3BA/ Tel: 01223 357 268). Entry £5. From 7.30 till 11pm.

Do your bit to support community arts and music. Get down to The Portland and make your vote count.

http://www.strawberry-fair.org.uk/band-competition.php

Heat 2, Thursday 10th March
Wild Hope (Alt Rock) www.myspace.com/wildhopemusic
J Treole (Alt/Electronic) - www.myspace.com/jtreole
Scarlletta (Pop/Electronic) - www.myspace.com/scarlletta
Inqalab (Alt/Electronic) - www.myspace.com/westessexinqalab

The Cambridge Band Competition boasts an eclectic mix of performers this year. From over 75 entries, we’ve narrowed it down to 16 acts. Now it’s time for that crucial public vote…

Every Thursday evening in March you’ll get a chance to see the cream of the local music crop in the contest heats at The Portland Arms. Your vote will help us decide which band bags that plum spot on the main stage at Strawberry Fair this year.

The Contest Heats are every Thursday in March at The Portland Arms (129 Chesterton Rd, CB4 3BA/ Tel: 01223 357 268). Entry £5. From 7.30 till 11pm.

Do your bit to support community arts and music. Get down to The Portland and make your vote count.

http://www.strawberry-fair.org.uk/band-competition.php

Grrrl Party is back for April: there shall again be loads of FEMINISTY JOY and AWESOME MUSICS and DANCING all nite long. Yes, yes and yes. Popstarz's Neon Jeepster will again be doing a guest slot.

But a sad note: this (fifth!) Grrrl Party may be the last Grrrl Party evah. So whether you've never made it to one but always wanted to, or have been to them all and don't want to miss any big send-off, come along!

Grrrl Party is queer- and women-friendly; people of all genders and sexualities are all completely welcome as long as yr respectful of this!

Facebooky link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=105424609493924

There will also be free feministy&etc. badges, 'cause they seemed to make a lot of people very happy last time.

Riot Star ♥

Grrrl Party is back again!, and as before, there shall be amazing tunes from grrrls with guitars and grrrls with synths and grrrls with shouty voices and feministy politics to keep you dancing all nite long!

DJ Neon Jeepster of POPSTARZ in London will also be back again with a guest slot.

Facebooky link is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=251224738784&ref=nf

Grrrl Party is queer- and women-friendly; people of all genders and sexualities are all completely welcome as long as yr respectful of this!

RS ♥

He has collected a pile of Gold and Platinum records across the world and hit the number one spot worldwide on pop chats including the USA, Australia, Germany, Holland, and the UK. Billy has achieved extraordinary success as both artist and songwriter with hits such as Love Really Hurts Without You, Love on Delivery, Stop Me, Red Light Spells Danger, There'll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry), Get Outta My Dreams and Get Into My Car.

Booking info:
Book Online - www.cornex.co.uk or ring the Box Office 01223 357851