Le Cool -19-25 June '08

Gig tickets Honey Ryder
Their myspace says “influences: a bit of everything but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is” which just about sums up this up-and-coming band. With influences from Coldplay to Sheryl Crow in their music and the dynamic mix of male/female songwriting and catchy lyrics Honey Ryder are the next big thing. Their new album ‘Rising Up’ is a mix of rock, folk rock and indie and if like me you boast about being the ‘first one there to hear them live’ then you won’t want to miss this group. The guitar played by Martyn Shone creates the mood while the striking vocals of Lindsay O’Mahony give the lyrics an edgy and rmemorable feel, “please be fair”. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you’re there. The iconic venue known for hosting the ‘best of the new best’ should also be a sign that you won’t be disappointed with the performance and with the origins of the band from a Balham basement you’re lucky you’ll be served from a Swarovski crystal bar. / Sophie Khan

where
Soho revue Bar, 11-12 Walkers Court, Soho020 7734 0377

when
8pm

how much
£6

Le Cool - 19-25 June '08

Garden China Landscape
Hot on the heels of the Chelsea Flower Show and the growing craze to be green you can’t miss out on seeing the Chinese-inspired landscapes in the heart of London. The unique exhibition is a mix of classical Chinese scholar’s garden and the traditions of Kew. The landscape features plants and trees native to the mountains of Sichuan province in south-west China and includes the historic handkerchief tree, trails of wisteria, the beautiful White Mulberry and the strong and dependable bamboo. The picturesque scenery is a haven for silent contemplation contrasting to the busy streets of the city outside the museum’s walls. So if you want to emmerse yourself in all things beautiful and green then, as in all Chinese gardens, the scholar’s rock which symbolises the power of the mountain, is waiting for you. So take a book or your ipod and drift away into a faraway place for a couple of hours at least. / Sophie Khan

where
British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8181

when
10am-7.30pm

how much
Free

Le Cool- 10-16 April '08

Festival PEN
If you live for literature and would love the chance to converse and debate with great writers, poets and playwrights from across the world then the International PEN festival would be a great place to be this weekend. The festival’s theme this year is The Writer Next Door and there will be several events at venues across London including a free showcase of young writers of tomorrow on the 12 & 13 April. The opening event will be at the National Theatre featuring Egyptian author, Alaa Al Aswany best known for ‘The Yacoubian Building’, an Arabic bestseller set in modern-day Cairo, likened to Armistead Maupin’s ‘Tales of the City’. The festival will also have international poets, Yang Lian and Tze Ming Mok at the Southbank Centre on 12 April and playwright, Hassan Abdulrazzak at The Old Vic on 13 April. However, if you don’t get a chance to attend the individual sessions there will be a highlight of the festival, the Festival in a Thimble at The Cut Bar, Young Vic on Sunday at 3pm. / Sophie Khan

where
Varies - see website

when
11-13 April

how much
Varies - see website

Le Cool- 24-30 April '08

Exhibition Foto 8
We’re heading down to the Agnes B store in Covent Garden for the Cover Stories, a photographic exhibition showcasing a collection of personal photo stories by acclaimed international photojournalists such as Justin Jin, who has highlighted the real lives of Chinese garment workers in his work. Paolo Pellegrin, the award-winning photojournalist, known for his passion for exposing social injustice and suffering, displays a portfolio on the Kashmir earthquake and Oliver Pin-Fat showcases his photo exhibition depicting the period during the ‘war against drugs’ in Bangkok. The exhibition will be an opportunity to experience the pressing issues of our day and to see the real impact they have on individuals. Prints in the exhibition will be available to purchase as well as original pieces of works from the photojournalists. / Sophie Khan

where

when
10am-6pm

how much
Free

Le Cool- 8 -14 May '08

Exhibition Bond Bound
If like me you have never missed a Bond film (the ones with Timothy Dalton don’t count) and have always wondered where the inspiration for the strong, independent and beautiful Bond women came from, then the cover artwork from the books about the secret agent will provide the clue. The exhibition celebrates the centenary of the birth of Ian Fleming and showcases the many book jackets which inspired and defined the Bond look and portrayed a snapshot into society’s changing attitudes to sex, feminism and politics. The exhibition will also include unique and previously unseen archive material. Everything from the first Bond novel, Casino Royale, published in 1953 to the latest, Devil May Care, written as a tribute to Ian Fleming by Sebastian Faulks, will be on show. There’s more info on this fascinating show from here and news of other events marking the centenary. / Sophie Khan

where
Fleming Collection, 13 Berkeley Street, W1 020 7409 5730

when
10am-5:30pm Tues-Sat

how much
Free

Le Cool- 15-21 May '08

Exhibition Government Art Collection Tours
Have you seen Andy Warhol’s portrait of The Queen or Lowry’s Lancashire Fair? Course you haven’t – they’re tucked away in a government department somewhere. Or are they? This weekend offers a chance to see these, and other rarely seen works by acclaimed artists, when the Department for Culture, Media and Sport opens the doors to the vault that holds the Government Art Collection. Check out the free tours of the small selection of works of British art in a variety of media, dating from the mid-seventeen century to the present day. The works are usually exhibited in government buildings and embassies around the world to promote British Culture, history and creativity, and make up a 13,000-strong collection. Early booking is essential so please do email GAC to book your place. If you don’t get invited to a tour this weekend don’t be disappointed – there will be further tours arranged in the following weeks for those who are still interested. / Sophie Khan

where
GAC, 2-4 Cockspur Street, SW1Y 5DH 020 7580 9120

when
1pm-3pm

how much
Free

Le Cool- 29 May -4 June '08

Dance Sutra
While the Ninja movie craze of the 80s is now behind us, the myth of how Bruce Lee suddenly died still lives on. Many believe that the monks from the Shaolin Temple killed him in revenge for revealing their secrets of Kung Fu to the rest of the world. Whether that’s true or not, this week sees the world premiere of Sutra a new dance production inspired by the Buddhist Shaolin Temple monks and as part of China Now gives you the unique opportunity to experience their culture first-hand. The choreographer of the production is Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui who is best known for his work on Zero Degrees in 2005 has been working with the monks in China for over a year and has choreographed movements which show the skill, strength and spirituality of the monks. If like me you have always been fascinated by martial arts and the strength and discipline it gives you, then Sutra will not disappoint you and will leave you with a greater admiration for the art. / Sophie Khan

where
Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN0844 412 4300

when
Tue - Sat at 7.30pm till May 31

how much
£10 - £35

Le Cool -5-11 June '08

Exhibition Ramayana
Doesn’t look as if were going to have an Indian Summer this year kids! But don’t fret, the Ramayana exhibition, one of the world’s greatest and enduring stories from India is here to brighten up your day. For the first time over 100 paintings with illustrated 17th-century manuscripts will go on display to tell the story of the ancient Sanskrit epic through vividly coloured scenes and dramatic imagery. The story is Prince Rama’s quest to rescue his beloved wife Sita from the clutches of a demon king with the help of an army of monkeys. (The English equivalent would probably be the Arthurian legends). In the same way as Arthur played a large part in English literature, Ramayana influenced the art and culture in the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia, with versions of the story appearing in the Buddhist canon from a very early date. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a programme of films and performances and will be a great opportunity to experience the essence of India. Sophie Khan

where
British Library, 96 Euston Road NW1 2DB020 7412 7332

when
Mon-Fri 9.30am-6:00pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm

how much
Free

Le Cool - 12-18 June '08

Class Time for Tai Chi
Are you stressed? Is work getting you down and you don’t know why you’re wasting your time and energy anymore? Then why don’t you try some Tai Chi and get a kick start to their day. The London Lishi Arts are holding open air Tai Chi sessions on the River Terrace as part of the build up to the Big Dance 2008 . Tai Chi which is an ancient Chinese form of co-ordinated body movements focusing on the cultivation of internal energy ‘chi’ aims to harmonise the mind, body and soul. So if you get a chance to make the sessions, for hour at least forget the stress and strains of work and the commute, and try to relax and recharge in the beautiful surroundings. The sessions are suitable for beginners as well as those of you just there to show off your ‘moves’. Loose clothing and light footwear are recommended and most importantly of all don’t forget to switch off your mobile phones. / Sophie Khan

where
Somerset House, The Strand, WC2R 1LA020 7845 4600
when
Tues & Thurs, 8.15-9.15
how much
Free