Wacken Open Air plants 5,000 trees in Brazil... and more are to be planted!

In view of the horrifying images of burning forests, the team of the Wacken Open Air decided in December 2019 to refrain from sending the usual physical Christmas greetings. Instead, the metal festival joined forces with the German branch of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Instituto Terra to initiate a fundraising campaign in benefit of the Mata Atlantica region in the Brazilian rainforest.

The declared purpose of this campaign was the reforestation of an area the size of the famous Wacken infield, which covers about 5 hectares. This goal was achieved in less than a month thanks to the active support of partners and fans. This mean that the first 5,000 trees will be planted shortly. Yet the initiators of the fundraising campaign are not satisfied with their success and are currently launching a second appeal.

The founders of the Wacken Open Air, Holger Hübner and Thomas Jensen, comment on the campaign as follows:-

     "We would like to thank all of the Wacken family, our crew and fans, very much", states Thomas Jensen on behalf of the team. "It is great to be breaking the 5 hectare mark so quickly, of course. Yet we would like to go one step further. Therefore we have set ourselves the new goal of reforesting an additional area the size of our Wackinger Village and the Wasteland Stage, which means three additional hectares of new forest. Once again we hope for the generosity of many kind donors."

Roberto Maldonado adds:

     "We would like to thank the Wacken community very much for their great support", comments the certified forestry manager and South America spokesman at WWF Germany. "In cooperation with Instituto Terra we will now be able to plant the first 5,000 native trees in Mata Atlantica. Working together with small local farmers, we will restore river sources and carry out to enrich the plantations with native trees in a private reserve. Hopefully, this is only the beginning and that your kind help will allow us to reforest even more areas in the Mata Atlantica".
 
Further information about the reforestation project and instructions on how to donate can be found at this link: http://wacken.click/donate-a-tree

The World Wide Fund For Nature will be on site and report from there how the donations are being used in a few weeks.

More information about the Wacken Open Air can be found at wacken.com.

Industry, Media, Policy, Academic and Creative Forces Unite To Create A New, Tony Iommi-endorsed Convention On The Global Impact Of Heavy Metal Music

World-first event to include delegates from Afghanistan, India, Lebanon, Nepal, Syria, Singapore, and more

Friday 22 & Saturday 23 March At Rich Mix -  (35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA)

Tickets On Sale Now At http://www.worldmetalcongress.org

The inaugural World Metal Congress will be held on March 22nd and 23rd.

Representatives from every field will come together to discuss, promote, and celebrate the incredible success and scale of heavy metal music from India to South Africa to Singapore and beyond through panels, documentary film premieres and live music showcasing the unparalleled global impact of one of Britain’s greatest cultural exports.

Conceived by ex-Metal Hammer editor and Twin V Ltd. founder Alexander Milas in partnership with Dr. Lina Khatib of world-renowned policy institute Chatham House, University of Central Lancashire’s Dr. Niall Scott and independent promoter Josh Retallick of Old Empire, the aim of w\m/c is to connect the global metal community.

“This is a world-first,” says Milas. “In these troubling times the fact that this music resonates with people of every colour and culture and creed is an incredibly special thing, and we want to shout that from the rooftops. With the w\m/c we’re creating a unique forum to help bring that truly global community together, and we’ve already had a phenomenal response.”

“I’m really pleased to hear that the World Metal Congress will be taking place in the UK,” says Tony Iommi, the founding guitarist of Black Sabbath. “The metal community is huge but rarely gets the recognition it deserves. My best wishes for a successful event.”

Created with the support of Arts Council England, an industry-facing conference on day one will feature key decision-makers from labels, festivals, media, and the artists themselves including BBC Radio 1, Wacken Festival, Music For Nations, Vice, and Barney Greenway of Napalm Death among many others.

“Human rights and universal artistic licence are tightly intertwined,” says Greenway. “Breaking tired old stereotypes, celebrating free creative expression without borders and confronting and debating challenging ethical band decisions continues to be an absolute must.”

Day two presents documentary films highlighting metal’s triumph over adversity and a live gig from Singapore’s Wormrot, one of global metal’s true success stories, with much more to be revealed in the coming days.  

A full programme of events will be announced in the near future through www.worldmetalcongress.org

Scandinavia's premiere rock/metal label Mighty Music was established in the autumn of 1997. During the years over 200 albums have been released, countless singles, thousands of songs published, numerous live events and a helluva lot of merchandise. We have worked and still work with artists like Artillery, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Mike Tramp, Solbrud, SEA, No Return, Marco Mendoza, Dim Mak, Panzerchrist, Brutality, Blitzkrieg, Forsaken, Lucer, Black Book Lodge, Thorium, Vanir and lots of other great bands. 

This year, they are celebrating our 20 years in the music business with a 2-day anniversary festival, taking place in the heart of Copenhagen at the new venue Halmtorvet 9.

     "Alongside the music industry in general, we have had many ups and downs in the history of Mighty Music. From being an all CD focused record company up 'til today when we are embracing the new technology with digital streaming and alternative ways of releasing and promoting artists alongside old school CD & LP releases. I still remember the term "please return my stamps" and still remember all the hard work we put into the label back in the days and still do. I am very proud of the fact that Mighty Music are still around and bigger and stronger than ever. We will gladly take another 20 years in ring.I'm still metal, have long hair and a beautiful wife. My partner in crime, Bjarke Ahlstrand has short hair today, but a beautiful new wife and is still pretty metal :)" Michael H. Andersen, Mighty Music

MIGHTY MUSIC 20 years anniversary festival Line-Up

Friday the 10th of November 2017

INIQUITY (DK)   "Serenadium" re-release party. The band is playing their cult album from 1996 from start to finish and some.
THE PETULANT (DK) "Death/thrash metal supreme, recently released their praised album "Dictum".
PARASIGHT (DK) "Crust metal/punk with members from The Kandidate and Pilgrimz".

Saturday the 11th of November 2017

SECRET HEADLINER "Probably the best classic hard rock band out of Denmark and a must see on your bucket list of bands, Robb Weir, Tygers Of Pan Tang".
CHIRO (DK) "Old school thrash metal. Est. in the late 80's and new album "Tunnel" out soon".
JUSTIFY REBELLION (DK) "Young, melodic thrash metal in the vein of early Metallica).

Presenters: Bjarke Ahlstrand & Michael H. Andersen

Tickets are 120 DKK per day and 200 DKK for 2-days. Buy tickets here www.billetto.dk

Photo above 2014 L-R: Bjarke Ahlstrand & Michael H. Andersen
Photo below 2000: L-R: Michael H. Andersen & Bjarke Ahlstrand 

www.halmtorvet9.dk
www.mightymusic.dk

Gigfly.ca is extremely excited to announce that they will be a sponsor of the Guinness World Record attempt for the 'Longest Concert Held by Multiple Artists' hosted by Epidemic Music Group! This 16 day event will start on Friday, March 17th plus will involve over 380 bands and be held at the Earl of Whitchurch in Stouffville, ON.

Want to be a part of this massively historic event? It's going to be incredible!


BANDS (yes, even friends) - Contact Mike Burns to register: michael.burns287@gmail.com VOLUNTEERS - Contact Shaen Ar to register: shaenvolunteer@gmail.com
MEDIA - Contact Joely Dercola-McEwen to get involved: joelymcewen@rogers.com
COMMUNITY PARTNERS/SPONSORS - Contact Heather Cook Scala: hcook4142@gmail.com

You can also find more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/GuinnessRecordAttemptByEpidemicMusicGroup/ 

Gigfly.ca would like thank everyone for the support, with out you Gigfly.ca would be nothing. Please share this news and spread the word to all artists. If you have not registered at Gigfly.ca you can do so by clicking on this link:

http://gigfly.ca/register.html 

Gigfly.ca brings Artists, Bands, Promoters, Tour Agents, Sound Technicians, Venues and Vendors together to network under one simple banner. All are welcome to sign up to stay connected with one another and search through each other's profile to make networking around the world one click away. Using the Gigfly Search Engine, searching contacts for your needs to setup a tour, show, etc. will be the easiest task you have ever taken on. 

www.Gigfly.ca
www.facebook.com/gigflyinc
www.twitter.com/gigflyinc 

"Thanks to Virgin Radio for this!"

Virgin Radio Breakfast Show presenter Edith Bowman is a true festival veteran, having attended and broadcast from almost all of the major music events of the year, including Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival, T in the Park, Reading and Leeds Festivals. Her experience is such that she has even published a book on the subject, Edith Bowman’s Great British Festivals, which delves into the festival scene and explores some of the less known festival delicacies on offer across the country in the search for the ‘ultimate festival’.

Armed with impeccable music knowledge and a thirst for discovering new bands, Edith is ready for another summer of partying hard and… eating doughnuts, and wants to share her top tips for enjoying the best of British music festivals this summer:


1. Don’t mention the weather or the toilets. We live in Britain, the weather is unpredictable and the sooner you get your head around that the better. It’s probably going to rain but if you are prepared for it then you will have a better time. Toilets, get over any kind of cleanliness OCD, just have some hand sanitiser and try the she-pee – it’s quite empowering!


2. Although there are obviously bands and artists you want to see, don’t make too many plans. Allow yourself some wander time. This is where I’ve discovered some of my favourite bands by just going blind into tents and to stages to check out things I’ve never heard of. Also allow yourself to have a wander yourself - it’s really healthy and forces you to communicate with people in that old fashioned way of talking.


3. Travel light. Most probably anything you need you can get there. Take the basics that cover you for all weather and with that I’d suggest layers, a good Mac, a good pair of boots that don’t have to be wellies, good sunglasses and hat, dry shampoo and most definitely a high factor sunscreen.


4. Pace yourself. I have learnt from experience that you can get a little overexcited by the whole thing of being at a festival with mates, but losing a whole day is never a good look, trust me.


5. Doughnuts. These will keep you going. Make sure you find your nearest fresh doughnut stall, it might just save your life.


6. Challenge your mind and be adventurous. Step outside your comfort zone and go and see something maybe non-music related that is something you have never seen before. Festivals can be a wonderful place to expand your mind to explore new and exciting art forms.


7. Meeting point. Work out a meeting point with your mates and maybe a certain time you all meet up so that if you do get separated you know where and when you can all touch base.


8. Charging. There are loads of charging locations at festivals so try and not get to the point where your phone is totally out of charge.


9. Camping. You’re either into it or you’re not. I think it's a lot of fun, especially if you can create a commune area where you can have your own little party. I remember one Glasto where we all cooked breakfast before heading out to start another day, which was a great way to wake up. Late night drinks and singalongs and chats – it’s lovely.


10. But if you’re not into the camping thing then there are plenty other options for accommodation, you now can't use camping as an excuse not to go!


Edith Bowman presents the breakfast show on Virgin Radio, weekdays from 6am – 10am
Listen online, on mobile, and through the app

www.virginradio.co.uk

EVENT SET FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 7th ON THE INTREPID, VIP, EARLY ADMISSION & GA TICKETS STILL ON SALE  

The Village Voice announces their second round of food trucks set to be participating in this year's Third Annual "Choice Streets" Food Truck Tasting Event on May 7th (Rain Date: May 9th). The five newly announced food trucks include DUB Pies, Hibachi Heaven, Luzzo's La Pizza Napoletana, Mike N' Willie's, and Souvlaki GR. These trucks will join the ten previously announces trucks: Big D's Grub Truck, Comme Ci Comme Ca, Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches, Korilla BBQ, Love Mamak & Lucky Yim, Luke's Lobster, Moo Shu Grill, Nuchas, Solber Pupusas, Sweet Chili and more to be announced soon. Tickets are now on sale for the event and can be purchased, here.   

The Village Voice is also thrilled to announce that Choice Streets 2014 will feature DJ sets by Andy Rourke of The Smiths, the legendary alt-rock band that materialized from the British independent music scene in the 1980s. A friend of The Village Voice, Rourke DJed The Village Voice's foodie event "Choice Eats" in 2012 and is now back by popular demand. Since The Smiths parted ways in 1987, Andy Rourke has played and recorded with some of music's greatest performers such as Sinead O'Connor, Morrissey, The Pretenders, and Badly Drawn Boy. These days, Rourke calls New York City his home and spends his time DJing on East Village Radio's Jetlag show and at various nightclubs around the city.   

"Choice Streets" also announces the launch of their truckers Choice Streets Volunteer program with applications now open today. Truckers who apply and are selected for volunteering will assist The Village Voice team on-site at the event. All volunteers will receive a free general admission ticket to The Village Voice's Fall Craft Beer Tasting Event, "Brooklyn Pour to be held in September 2014 (specific date TBA). To apply, you must be 21 years or older and fill out this application, here. 

"Choice Streets" will be held on Wednesday, May 7th from 7:00 - 11:00 PM (Rain Date: May 9th). Spun off from The Village Voice's highly-popular "Choice Eats" restaurant tasting event, "Choice Streets" will feature over 20 of some of the city's favorite and highly sought-after food trucks. Set amid the backdrop of the New York City Landmark - The Intrepid - attendees will feast on Pier 86 and enjoy and evening of fabulous food, drinks and an amazing view of the city and Hudson River. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit: http://villagevoice.com/choicestreets.

This year's "Choice Streets" will feature three tiers of ticket options. All ticket-holders will be offered complimentary food tasting, unlimited beverages, complimentary access to the Intrepid Museum (a $22 value on its own) and entertainment throughout the night. The VIP ticket ($70) will allow guests a full VIP Hour beginning at 7PM plus a gift bag and special VIP drink experience. The Early Entry ticket ($60) will allow guests entry into the event at 7:30PM, a full half hour earlier than the event's door time.

The General Admission ticket ($50) opens the event's doors at 8PM until the event finishes for all ticket-holders at 11PM. For more details on this year's three ticket options, click here. Along with the new three tier ticketing, this year's event will also feature a new passport system to maximize the potential for all attendees to sample every single food truck - pending availability (and fullness of guest!). Upon arrival, all guests will receive a passport card attached to a lanyard that will entitle them to one sample from each truck (as samples last). This passport system need only apply to the food at Choice Streets - alcoholic beverages will still be unlimited to all ticket-holders (must be 21+ to enter event). For more on the new passports, click here.    

The Village Voice will once again partner with the non-profit organization Slow Food NYC for the event and plans to donate a portion of ticket sales from Choice Streets. Sponsors confirmed for Choice Streets 2014 include: Shock Top, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Verizon FIOS, Green Mountain Energy and Frames. For more information on "Choice Streets" please have a bite here:

https://www.facebook.com/voicechoiceeats 
https://twitter.com/ChoiceEats 
http://instagram.com/villagevoice
http://www.pinterest.com/VillageVoice/      

Event Details: 

Choice Streets 3rd Annual Food Truck Tasting Event 
Event Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 
Rain Date: Fri, May 9th 

TICKETS: On Sale Wednesday, April 2nd (http://ticketf.ly/1jQC0MA) 
VENUE: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex | Pier 86 (W. 46th St & 12th Ave) 
TIME: 7:00-11:00PM with staggered entry as follows:          

7:00PM - $70 - VIP Ticketholder Doors           
7:30PM - $60 - "Early Entry" Ticketholder Doors    
8:00PM - $50 - GA Ticketholder Doors    

About Village Voice Events:    

The Village Voice has independently produced and created such celebrated events as Choice Eats, Obies Awards, 4Knots Music Festival, Choice Streets, Brooklyn Pour, Holiday Spirits as well as the most anticipated issues and guides of the year including the annual Pazz and Jop music poll, Best of NYC, and its Spring, Summer, and Fall Preview guides. The Voice is New York's most influential must-read alternative newspaper in print and online. For more information on the Voice or its events, please visit us online at www.villagevoice.com