Winners of the tenth European Border Breakers Awards

The winners of the 2013 European Border Breakers Awards, celebrating border breaking talents in European pop music, were announced today by Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth and the European music conference and showcase festival Eurosonic Noorderslag.

The winners of the 2013 awards are:

- Nabiha (Denmark)
- Ewert and The Two Dragons (Estonia)
- French Films (Finland)
- C2C (France)
- Emeli Sandé (Great Britain)
- Of Monsters and Men (Iceland)
- Dope D.O.D. (Netherlands)
- Amor Electro (Portugal)
- Juan Zelada (Spain)
- Niki and the Dove (Sweden)

"Music is a universal language that touches billions of people, regardless of age or background. Our winners have all succeeded in reaching out to audiences beyond their home country through their talent and energy. I hope the awards will inspire other artists to take their music beyond their national borders and break into new markets," said Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.

To be eligible for the awards, the artists must have enjoyed border-breaking success with their first international release in Europe between 1 August 2011 and 31 July 2012. The winners are selected by music market analyst Nielsen Music Control on the basis of record sales and broadcast frequency and according to votes by European Broadcasting Union (EBU) radio stations and festivals participating in the European Talent Exchange Program (ETEP).

Background
The winners will receive their awards in a televised ceremony hosted by TV personality and musician Jools Holland at Eurosonic Noorderslag in Groningen, Netherlands, on 9 January 2013. The ceremony – including performances by most of the winning acts – will be broadcast by Dutch National Television (NTR) and will also receive European coverage through TV channels and radio stations.

One of the winners will also receive a 'Public Choice Award'. From 1 November until December 21 the public can vote for their favourite artist on www.ebba-awards.eu. By voting, they could win a trip to the award ceremony.

Former winners of the 'EBBA Awards' include Adele, The Baseballs, The Dø, KT Tunstall, Tokio Hotel, The Ting Tings, Lykke Li, The Scripts, Milow, Katie Melua, Mumford and Sons, Swedish House Mafia and Caro Emerald.

Now in their tenth year, the awards are funded by the EU Culture Programme and organized by Eurosonic Noorderslag, in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The awards are supported by Buma Cultuur, SNN, Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Province of Groningen, City of Groningen and European Music Office.

Eurosonic Noorderslag is Europe’s most important music conference and showcase festival, aiming to encourage circulation of European music. Eurosonic Noorderslag also is the organization of the European Talent Exchange Program (ETEP). The ETEP boosts circulation of talented European artists among a network of European summer festivals. It creates opportunities for professionals in the European music business and ultimately contributes to the development of the European music industry.

The European music industry makes an important contribution to growth and jobs, accounting for a significant part of our cultural and creative industries, which provide quality jobs for up to 8.5 million people in the EU and contribute up to 4.5% to Europe's GDP. The total value of the EU recorded music market is around € 6 billion a year. The European recorded music market presents around a fifth of the total music market which is worth close to € 30 billion.

Website of the prize: www.ebba-awards.eu
European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/culture

Fantastic line-up for charity gig

We can now confirm the much anticipated line-up for the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer anniversary ball to be held on Thursday 11th of October at Café de Paris, London.

Nicknamed by his peers as the ‘singer’s singer’ Buddy Greco, one of the top Jazz pianist and vocalists of our time and singer of world famous song ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ which sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disk, is most well known for his appearances in the 60’s with the ‘Rat Pack’. Already well known on the UK music scene he has performed at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and toured the UK with over 30 dates from July 2010 with the Swinging Las Vegas Legends Show. On New Year's Eve 2011 he made a guest appearance on Jools Holland’s 'Hootenanny' singing ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ backed by the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

Guests on the evening will be in for a real treat as Matt Cardle will perform ahead of his tour commencing on Sunday 21st of October at the HMV Institute, Birmingham. Matt will perform a never-before-heard exclusive acoustic set as well as a track for his new album ‘The Fire’ due for release in the next few weeks.

The James Whale Fund Ball will be hosted in the sumptuous surroundings of Café de Paris in London. Rich in history and boasting of entertaining London for over 88 years Café de Paris is a jewel in the heart of Piccadilly, complete with grand chandeliers and great sweeping staircases.

The night will also include DJ set by The Royals favourite DJ Crispin Dior, famous for performing at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding last year and Fabric, London’s resident DJ – “he’s the go-to-guy for the freshest music on earth”.

Broadcaster and Founder of the Fund James Whale said:

“It’s going to be a cracking night. We are honoured to have Buddy Greco and Matt Cardle perform. The grand setting that Café de Paris presents will provide the perfect back drop for guests to enjoy an evening not to be missed!”

• James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer is the UK’s leading kidney cancer charity and was set up in 2006 by broadcaster James Whale who lost a kidney to cancer. Today James continues to lead a full and busy life, as do the majority of people who are diagnosed and treated early.
• In 2009, 9,000 people in the UK were diagnosed with kidney cancer that’s over 24 people day!
• Kidney cancer is eighth most common cancer in the UK.
• www.jameswhalefund.org
• Tickets are £110 per person or £1,000 for a table of 10.
• To reserve your tickets or to make a table booking please call 01223 237044

British Actors Tamer Hassan & Shane Richie Show Racism the Red Card with Celebrity Soccer

Hollywood actor and British film icon Tamer Hassan, of movies such as ‘The Football Factory’ and ‘The Business’ and British Actor and ‘Eastenders favourite’ Shane Richie Show Racism the Red Card with Celebrity Soccer.

Hassan, will lead his new team ‘Tamer Hassan’s Celebrity XI ‘against ‘Shane Richie’s Celebrity XI’ to raise awareness for Show Racism the Red Card, the campaign that uses high profile footballers such as Luther Blisset, Jason Euell, Rio Ferdinand, Cesc Fàbregas and Sol Campbell to educate against racism.

The match will take place on Sunday, 23rd September 2012; 1 o’clock kick off at Bromley FC, followed by a dinner and celebrity auction led by Tamer Hassan, with donations from Danny Dyer, Salomon Kalou, Shane Richie, Luther Blisset, Rio Ferdinand, Darren Campbell and more.

Jeremy Dolke , Chairman of Bromley FC said: "We are looking forward to welcoming Tamer Hassan and Butterfly PR to the home of Bromley football club, for what we see as a exiting working partnership, the whole aim is to support charities up and down the country while providing top class entertainment whilst having lots of fun"

Donations from the event will go towards Show Racism the Red Card an anti-racism charity that produces anti-racism educational resources, which harness the high profile of professional footballers such to combat racism throughout society.

Ged Grebby, Chief Executive of Show Racism the Red Card said: “Show Racism the Red Card welcome a new partnership with the actor Tamer Hassan and Butterfly PR. It’s an exciting development for Show Racism the Red Card and as well as being a new high profile partnership carries on a great tradition of actors supporting our events and aims.

“I look forward to working with Tamer and Butterfly PR on the upcoming celebrity match, which I’m sure, will help raise the profile of Show Racism the Red Card and help to combat discrimination in sport.”

Hassan’s ‘Tamer Celebrity XI’’ team Danny Dyer, Lucien Laviscount, Jeff Brazier, Kirk Norcross, Steve Collins, James Argent, Patrick Monahan, Chris Newman, George Riley, Jason Euell, Gavin Ramajaun, Mario Falcone, Darren Byfield plan to beat Shane Richie Celebrity XI’ players which include Jake Wood, Chuck Vern, Gary Lucy, Paul Canoville, Perry Fenwick, Clarke Carlisle, Greg Lake, Frank Sinclair, Thomas Law, Bradley Johnson, more to be confirmed.

Actor, Hassan said: "I’m bringing together my celebrity team to raise media awareness and money for an incredible cause, combined with a sport I absolutely love. We promise to bring an entertaining game on the day."

Actor, Richie said "My team know how to put on a performance, we want to support this important campaign, bring on the game on, my team are ready to win the cup"

Pre Match Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children and seniors, £30 for VIP’ entrance. Limited tickets are available at www.butterfly-pr.co.uk/LatestEvents Fans can purchase tickets online for lower prices or purchase general admission tickets on the day for £15 . Dinner and celebrity auction tickets are £50.

Music Performance on London Eye - watch a band perform over 400ft in the air

Exclusive London Eye Music Performance & Event at Union Chapel - London's No 1 Live Music Venue.

Have you ever wanted to watch a band whilst they perform over 400ft in the air, on one of London's most famous landmarks?

Folkestral band ‘Buswell’ have been given special permission to hold an exclusive performance in a capsule on the EDF Energy London Eye on 11th September 2012 at 6.30pm, and are inviting a few lucky members of the public to join them for this unique experience.

The performance on the EDF Energy London Eye is part of the 121212 Underground Orchestra Challenge, which involves Shaun Buswell forming an orchestra from strangers he meets whilst travelling on the London Underground. This show, along with a performance at award-winning venue Union Chapel on 14th September, are some of the exclusive public outings that the orchestra and Buswell will perform together throughout 2012, culminating in a finale at a top venue in London on 12th December 2012 (to be revealed at the Union Chapel show).

The EDF Energy London Eye event will feature 8-10 musicians, who will be performing Buswell’s unique style of Folkestral music with a mix of violins, violas, flutes, guitars, keyboards and percussion. The event will be filmed in Hi-Definition, giving the winners a chance to get an exclusive DVD of their experience.

Now is your chance to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the sights of London up high whilst listening to a live band.

Win tickets to be part of this select audience on a capsule on the EDF Energy London Eye whilst the band Buswell (www.buswellmusic.com) and members of the 121212 Underground Orchestra perform. Tickets are available to be won through a £1 raffle* via www.121212.org.uk/raffle with the proceeds going to Music Alive, a Wiltshire based charity which provides a safe and encouraging environment where disabled people can make and enjoy music in all its forms.

*Closing date is at 4pm on Monday 3rd September and the winning numbers for each draw will be chosen at random by Rogavi.com using a computerised system from all entries received by the closing date. The winners of the Raffle prizes will be notified by email and named on the Website. Unsuccessful ticket holders will not be notified. The winning tickets will only be valid on the EDF Energy London Eye for the capsule with Buswell at 6:30pm on 11th September 2012. Winners will need to arrive at the specified location near the London Eye by 6pm on Tues 11th September 2012. Travel costs to and from the location are not included.

Hollywood Nights Mark Wright and Hollywood Actor Tamer Hassan To Raise Money with Celebrity Charity Soccer

Hollywood Nights Mark Wright and Hollywood Actor Tamer Hassan Join Forces To Raise Money with Celebrity Charity Soccer.

Hollywood actor and cult British favourite of films like The Football Factory and The Business, Tamer Hassan and Hollywood Nights Actor Mark Wright have joined forces to organise a celebrity charity soccer event.

Hassan, will lead his team The Farnborough Celebrity XI against Mark Wright’s ‘Essex FC’’ to raise money for the children’s ward at Frimley Park Hospital.

The event will honour ex Wimbledon player, Kevin Cooper’s family friend Irene Grinham, who is fighting the dreaded liver disease, she has months left to live.

The match will take place on Sunday, 5th August 2012; kick off at 1 O’clock at Farnborough FC, followed by a gala dinner and celebrity auction led by Tamer Hassan, donations Joe Calzaghe, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Darren Campbell, Frank Lampard, STEPS memorabilia and so much more.

Money raised by the event will go towards Frimley Park Hospital children's unit who offer a wide range of facilities to care for children of different age groups including a dedicated teenage unit, funds will provide a once in a life time special opportunity to enable Irene Grinham to enjoy the remaining months of her life with her family.

Tamer is not taking this game lightly, using his competitive spirit to select only the fittest celebs with the skills to take on ‘Essex FC’ legends.

Actor, Hassan said: “I’m carefully choosing only the fittest celebs; each and every one of them has been put through their paces to make sure they are fit to wear the shirt. We promise to bring an entertaining game on the day.”

The Hollywood actor’s team includes sporting celebrities Lucien Laviscount, Taser Hassan (Actor and Model), Kevin Cooper (Ex Wimbledon player) TOWIE’s Mario Falcone, Tom Kilby, The Dream Idols, Eastenders actors Thomas Law, Sam Attwater, Jamie Borthwick and more will demonstrate their competitive spirit as they step on Farnborough FC ground next weekend.

Hassan said: “Irene’s story really touched my heart; I will always do what I can for charitable causes, I’ll be bringing my team of celebrities together to enjoy football. We are going to do our very best to raise money for Frimley Park Hospital and the beautiful Irene Grinham”

Wright said: “Looking forward to the game The Farnborough Celebrity XI better be ready for us. It’s for good cause, so I’m happy to bring my Essex FC to the game”

Tickets are £8 for adults, £5 for children and seniors. Gala Dinner and celebrity auction tickets are £30. Limited tickets are available http://www.farnboroughfc.co.uk or at the gate. Fans can purchase tickets online for lower prices and to avoid disappointment. On the day tickets will be £10 for all.

Europcar searches Southern England for the latest karaoke singing sensation

Europcar, the leader in car hire services in Europe for leisure and business users, has launched a competition to find the best in-car karaoke singer in the UK. And shoppers visiting Bluewater on the 28th July 2012 will have a chance to record their entry at a special Europcar roadshow.

The car is the stage in the latest cutting-edge and engaging social media campaign from Europcar, which plays on the karaoke culture and builds on the huge popularity of talent shows. With so many singers and wannabe performers entering talent shows but failing to hit the big time, Europcar's Caraoke Competition provides a great opportunity for the more eclectic singers and entertainers to prove their worth and drive away in a cool Fiat 500.

The idea is to get people recording their favourite song from a list of 10 classics, including the hit by Europe, 'The Final Countdown' and 'Dancing in the Moonlight' by Toploader and then uploading their videos to Facebook. Then consumers will be encouraged to vote for their favourite videos and share them on Facebook using the YouTube API feed. The performance with the most votes will win the grand prize of a Fiat 500.

Whilst motorists can film their own videos in their own time, Europcar is making it even easier for Kent residents to join in the fun and show off their talents by hosting a special live roadshow at the Bluewater shopping centre on 28th July on the Ground Floor, outside Marks & Spencer, from 10:30 - 18:00. Budding karaoke performers will be able to record their own videos for immediate uploading to Facebook.

In addition to the grand prize, a series of weekly prizes will be given out until August 22nd including Amazon e-vouchers, Eastern Airways flights, an overnight stay plus dinner and breakfast at the exclusive Hand Picked Hotel, Garmin Sat Nav systems, Samsung Galaxy Tablets, Driving Experience packages and Spa Days at the luxurious 5 Star hotel resort Stoke Park. Weekly prize winners will be selected via a prize draw giving entrants more chances to win prizes.

"Our job, as market leader is to set the standard across the board," said Ken McCall, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group. "From car hire to social media strategies and campaigns our objective is to keep Europcar at the forefront of the marketplace by implementing innovative techniques that drive the business forward and change consumer expectations of car hire.

"Caraoke is a light-hearted campaign and we want Kent shoppers and motorists to get into the groove with us and have some fun. With talent shows becoming increasingly popular, Europcar is urging shoppers to come down to Bluewater and show-off their singing voices. A new car could be theirs, and it might be the big break they’ve been looking for."

Zone model fronts reality travel show selling world-wide

There's an exciting reality travel show called The Blueprint, hosted by the gorgeous model Stephen Friedman. It is a young, funky, fast paced travel show, which documents Stephen’s journey through the continents, starting with Africa. The show tracks Stephen, a celeb name in South Africa, as he takes the viewers on an adventure that focuses on finding the essence within a country, and visits the unknown hotspots where the locals hang out.

To get the real backpacker experience Stephen and the crew travel by public transport, keeping a video diary the whole way. Stephen is an accomplished surfer who has participated in the world tour, with one of his biggest achievements being the winner of the O’Neill Surf Rumble in Europe. He is also an international model with Zone in the UK, and was featured as one of Cosmo’s Hottest men alive, as well as Cleo magazine’s 2nd most eligible bachelor in South Africa. He has modelled for GQ, Nivea and FHM among other massive names.

This exciting new show has received interest from Fox in South Africa, and the producers are currently in talks with every major channel in the UK, including BBC, ITV and Channel 4. Produced by New Vision Pictures (http://www.nv.co.za/), reality show experts who have produced the hotly anticipated Mandela Granddaughters Documentary, it is set to be a worldwide hit, spanning 6 series and propelling Stephen into stardom!