Le Cool 25 Sept- 1 Oct

Music Ramadan Nights
Ramadan is not just about fasting! Yes it’s true that restraint is not easy, but the central message of Ramadan is to educate others of your belief. Ramadan Nights opens tonight featuring Reem Kelani, a British-born singer of Palestinian descent. She’ll croon classic Palestinian and Arabic tunes backed by a jazz band and world musicians. ‘Tis a great opportunity to check out a music style that’s part and parcel to many lives in the Arab and Muslim world (and discover a side of the religion which is never mentioned in the news). Stress not if you miss this gem as other artists are lined up over the next couple of days including Azerbaijani musician Alim Qasimov and Tartit, a band from the Tombouctou region of Mali. Both will demonstrate the musical diversity of different parts of the Muslim world and welcome the audience to see what their culture is all about. / Sophie Khan

where
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS020 7638 4141

when
8:30pm

how much
£10-15

Le Cool 18-24 Sept 08

Photography Hollywood Portraits

Have you ever wanted to get dolled-up and be treated like Hollywood royalty? Then now’s your chance! Have your picture taken by Seamus Ryan, famous portrait photographer to the stars and become part of an exhibition at Harrods. A glamour talk by Harper Bazaar’s Beauty Editor on how to make the most of those cheekbones will ensure that you look your best for your moment. The portraits are part of That’s Entertainment , a whole host of fantastic events and activities which have temporarily transformed the store into a huge theatre show and glamour circus for us little people. So enjoy the star treatment while it lasts and be part of showbiz history. / Sophie Khan
where
Harrods, Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW17XL
020 7730 1234


when
1pm-4pm

how much
Free

Le Cool 11-17 Sept 08

Conference Jack the Ripper and Popular Culture
The East End has always been synonymous with Jack the Ripper. Maybe for the wrong reasons but the dimly lit labyrinthine streets of Whitechapel and Spitalfields and the history of poverty and hardship suffered by so many Eastenders in the late 19th century is seen by many as the dark stage for what remain to be some of the most infamous unsolved murders in the world. This conference, chaired by historian and author Clive Bloom, will explore the reasons why Jack the Ripper still has such a strong and lasting hold on popular imagination, inspiring hundreds of books, films, plays and graphic novels 120 years on, and why this one unknown figure has become so iconic and so much a part of London. Speakers will include Sir Christopher Fraying who will be showing his BBC documentary ‘Shadow of the Ripper’ as well as authors who have written extensively on the capital’s most infamous son. / Sophie Khan

where
Museum in Docklands, West India Quay, E14 4AL0844 980 2151

when
10am-5.15pm

how much
£3.50-£7

Le Cool 11- 17 Sept 08

Exhibition I am 90
If like me you have always been fascinated by the strength and determination of one of the greatest men on Earth and have been inspired by his continued support for human rights and hope in the face of adversity then you will probably not want to miss an exhibit dedicated to the man himself. The 46664 exhibit is a unique collection of photographs that chronicles moments from the special events that occurred during Nelson Mandela’s week-long visit to London to celebrate his 90th birthday when he was joined by friends from the world of politics, music, film and sport and by surviving comrades from the apartheid years. The exhibition also illustrates the continued turbulence in Africa and although the birthday celebrations gained international publicity for the cause of the global HIV AIDS epidemic the photographs reflect that there is still a long way to go in Africa and the world still needs to support those living with HIV AIDS. / Sophie Khan

where
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP020 7589 8212

when
10am-3pm, 16-28 Sept (open days 20&27)

how much
Free