You-Mix Thursdays

You-Mix Thursdays is the coolest concept for years and will become a verifiable reference in “pub entertainment”. The Red in Mansfield is an institution which is re staking it's claim as the customary place to be but this time with new owners, new landlord and a new outlook. The Red is a bar which plays the right music with a realistic vibe that touches a mixed gathering of like minded souls with a common love for cool tunes old and new. I spoke to landlord John Boddice.

So what is You-Mix Thursdays?
We've been making mixtapes for years right? Declaring undying love, saying sorry for mistakes, digging friends out of depressions or just wanting to share passions of music with others. Now we get to stop being selfish and share it with the whole pub.

How does it work?
Put together an audio CD via iTunes or similar – no mixing, no stratching just pure music with gaps! We dont want a snobby DJing concept obsessed with technique. It's about the music lovers of the world and showing people what winds your musical clock, sharing what turns your dial and exposing what keeps you ticking.

Why did you do it?
We like a short narrative, no need to ramble but we're keen to know what your CD's about so we can get inside your way of thinking. It might be dedicated to the girl you fancy but never dare speak to, it might be your way of coming out of the closet or it might be your catalyst to start the revolution. We need your reason so we can get inside our soul. Why does this track touch you and why are you here? We want to know what it feels like to be you for at least the duration of the record.

Do I win a prize?
You-Mix Thursday isn't about winners and losers, its about love for music. Inspire us with classics we've not heard for an eon and enlighten us something new. We put tracklistings on the table and carry on as normal, we're not lookin' to stop the traffic but if you hit the hotspot we'll let you know about it. It's all about the music and its all about you.

Send your mix CD to the Red. Don't be afraid to be different.
www.theredmansfield.co.uk

The Vhojon

Not strictly music but a curry obsession which began as an Eastcost holiday romance aged 18. Sat on the seafront with a new found love, me with chips and her with massala – sticking with convention my first taste of eastern spice was the perfect kiss but one which I shied away from when the holiday was gone - realising my mistake the search for the perfect curry began. The Vhojon is a new Indian restaurant, take-away and bar offering a superb mixed menu with great value in superb surroundings. The Vhojon is close to the perfect kiss.

www.vhojon.netne.net

Artwork by Matt Wright of Humble Art Company
www.humbleart.co.uk