Dark sensuality, an opulent, mystery-cloaked setting, and visual cues from eras past influenced the photographs included in “Illusions of Grandeur,” an exhibition currently on display at London’s exclusive Blacks Private Member’s Club. Blacks also provided the backdrop for the photographs, which were conceived of as a narrative about aristocracy, secrets, and a challenging alternative to contemporary fashion photography.

The collaborative work of photographer Yiannis Katsaris and Creative Producer Kate Burton invites viewers to become a part of the story and experience the captivating beauty of Blacks’ historic space.

The exhibition runs from 2 November through 30 November from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and entry is strictly by appointment. Call 020 7287 3381 for more information.

Illusions of Grandeur
When: 2 November – 30 November 2010, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, strictly by appointment; call 020 7287 3381 for more information.
Where: Blacks Private Member’s Club, 67 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 4QH

Pork & Beans club is the brainchild of Tomas McGrath and Ethan Saunders after meeting each other digging for the same records in their local vinyl shop and looking for somewhere to play them.

They decided to start a small night for free with a few guest DJs, playing late 60′s soul and a bit of Northern/Crossover/Funk upstairs in the bar and have the basement as a more private affair with the guys spinning Rhythm & Blues, Club Soul, Mod Jazz etc.

It usually runs the 3rd Friday of the month (although best to check the Facebook page for confirmation) with the night running from 8pm – 1am and of course with free entry. With many great guests from the Mod scene such as the guys from Soul Jazz/Sounds of the Universe upstairs sometimes the night has just gone from strength to strength.

You can find the Tomas and Ethan at Positively 4th Street, 119 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EE, a lovely art deco bar in Euston, London.

Club philosophy/dress code:
There is no dress code – though of course it is great when people make the effort to look smart! And the club philosophy is to get people down and listening to good music.

Join the FB page here

The next edition of Pork and Beans is the 19th of November. Joining Tomas & Jamie this month will be new kid on the block Mr Scott Simpson and the beautiful Alice Fowkes bringing us the best in R&B, Popcorn and all round tasty 60′s sounds!

Ethan and guests be spinning sweet Soul, Funk & Crossover upstairs under the guise of “Brothers & Sisters”!

Fashion illustrator (and Vintage Secret favorite) René Gruau is known for creating iconic images for Christian Dior during the mid-20th century. Gruau’s aesthetic lent itself to capturing the glamour and elegance that the House of Dior embodies to this very day—think fluid lines and quintessentially feminine imagery.

From 10 November 2010 through 9 January 2011, Somerset House will host a Gruau retrospective titled “Dior Illustrated: René Gruau and the Line of Beauty.” This is your chance to see Gruau’s creations up close, from his work with Dior Parfums to sketches for the house’s Haute Couture line.

During the program’s run, visitors can also attend one of many talks, Late Studios creative workshops, or a special documentary screening related to the exhibition. Visit the Somerset House website for full details about upcoming events. Vive le Gruau!

Dior Illustrated: René Gruau and the Line of Beauty

When: 10 November 2010 – 9 January 2011
Where: Somerset House, Embankment Galleries, Strand, City of London WC2R 1LA
Price: £6.00, £5.00 concessions, under 12s free

www.somersethouse.org.uk

Soulful provocateur Gabby Young embodies the spirited moxie of ‘40s swing music, but with a decidedly modern, inimitable twist. You can witness the extravagant live stylings of Gabby Young and the Other Animals on 20 November, when the band performs their only London show at the historic Tabernacle.

In addition to musical fanfare backed by a string quartet and brass band, Gabby promises a veritable smörgåsbord of onstage antics, including “Gabberdashery stalls, cakes and lashings of surprises.”

This may be your final chance to catch Gabby and the Other Animals as their current lineup—on the same stage that Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd once graced, no less—so click here to purchase tickets to this one night only happening. All ages welcome.

Gabby Young and the Other Animals Live at the Tabernacle
When: 20 November 2010; doors at 7:00 PM
Where: The Tabernacle, 35 Powis Square, Talbot Road, London W11 2AY
Price: £12.00
Purchase tickets here
www.gabbyyoung.com

Wax spinners for the evening are:

THE POW WOW CLUB – The HCC are extremely excited to get both Gav Arno & Callum Simpson behind the decks. The Sheffield based Pow Wow Club quickly became known as one of the UK’s leading Mod and Rare Rhythm & Blues Revues due to the choice selections of this vinyl hungry duo.

TOM LAWRIE -  Tom has been tearing up the Midlands rockin’ scene with his club night The Rubber Rooms which spins a mix of Uptempo Rockabilly and Gritty Frat Garage 45s.

KEV CONNELLAN – As co-founder of the No More Doggin’ R&B Club, and part of the Shoutin’ The Blues and Sureshot R&B Club crews, and a résumé of countless DJ guest appearances across the UK & Europe. Kev is certainly no stranger to steppin’ behind the dj decks. Boasting an enviable collection of rare soul, raucous R&B and Bluebeat sounds that never fails to pack the dancefloors whenever he plays – you’re in for a treat.

CRAIG SIMPSON – Probably best known for his Berts Apple Crumble collaboration. Craig has spanned many music genres, playing Mod, Rockabilly, Skinhead Reggae, Soul and even Funk clubs scenes throughout the years due to his appetite for tracking down rare 50′s & 60′s vinyl that’s guaranteed to make you wanna dance. Expect the un-expected, whether its wild rockabilly, jump blues, R&B, Mambo shakers or even Ska, the groove will move!

So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, tell your friends, and press your pants …….. this is gonna be an unforgettable night of non-stop bop and you are invited !!
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Where:

THE CENTRAL VENUE, 310 HUNTINGDON ST, NOTTINGHAM, NG1 3LH

Situated in the heart of Nottingham, being a short walk from the Victoria Shopping Centre, located behind the Oceana nightclub, opposite Antibo’s restaurant and at the Edge of the Hockley Shopping vicinity.