The fact is we now take it for granted that Lincoln routinely attracts this calibre of artist. It was a very different story a decade ago before the Drill Hall, LPAC and the Engine Shed appeared on the scene.

I can’t tell you what Wretch 32 was like but Clare Teal was on top of her game and backed by a stupendous virtuoso band whose musicianship left the audience open-mouthed at times.

Teal is well known to BBC Radio 2 listeners as a swing jazz performer and presenter of Big Band Special. Her peerless voice must sound fantastic with a big band but her current tour is on a much smaller scale and last night she performed an intimate set backed by percussion, keyboard and double bass. Whether she was stomping her way through jazz standards like Get Happy or gently cooing quieter covers like Annie Lennox’s Why, her excellent band hit precisely the right note.

As a Yorkshirewoman Teal’s stage persona is warm and friendly, and she spent a lot of time between songs thanking her audience, enthusing about Lincoln and gently ribbing her band members. And that audience was certainly appreciative as Teal moved from Fitzgerald to Gershwin via Moloko and Van Morrison.

But the best was kept until last: after a rousing round of applause Teal returned to the stage to give us her interpretation of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. An unusual choice for a jazz singer, maybe, but with its piano arrangement by Grant Windsor and its crystal clear harmonies it was the stand-out song in a truly impressive set.

Clare Teal’s latest album Hey Ho – and the tea towel that goes with it! – is now on sale.

I’m not sure if it’s the warm dim light dappling the café, (the kind of light that makes you search for a fireplace) the constantly smiling staff, or guarantee of great music and fresh food that makes everyone sink into their chairs and smile. But everyone does, and it creates an easiness that makes you feel like everyone in there ‘knows your name’.

With such a scene set, it’s no surprise that sharing a table with strangers felt comfortable and enjoyable. This lovely couple didn’t actually know our names (that would have been pretty freaky) but they did by the end of the night – along with some of our best travel stories and cocktail tips.

Before Colin Dudman and Friends began, the ensemble of acoustic instruments sitting in the corner looked impressive. From my front row vantage point the double bass looked huge and the inclusion of a real piano heralded the trio’s dedication to achieving an authentic acoustic sound. A dedication I was even more impressed by at the end of the night when four strong men strained to heave it away. In fact, I didn’t leave until everything was packed away…including half the tables. Café Portico seriously feels like that house you never want to leave; a place where you can never outstay your welcome. Even when you do!

Colin Dudman and Friends’ sound was complex. To sit back and bask in it, to witness a sound that could only possibly be achieved as a result of years of dedication, was humbling. There were no three chord charmers in this set. Each song was masterfully executed, and my front row spot allowed me to observe the impressive finger work and skilful use of a microphone strapped to a violin, allowing the crazily talented player to sing at the same time - as if he didn’t have enough to do!

I thought about this trio’s set later that night while dancing on the Lola Lo dance floor (bumping up the average age by a fair whack!) and enjoying the free flowing bongo player’s improvised beats. While this may be a strange place for a reflective moment, it made me think: while a DJ and bongo player ‘going with the flow’ is enjoyable, it’s also rewarding to sit back sometimes and enjoy masters at work – even if they exist outside the realms of your CD collection.

Excitement about Lincoln’s Moroccan Market of Handicrafts, which starts tomorrow (Wednesday)  has been tinged with disappointment following a change in a Royal visitor’s diary.

Lincoln BIG has revealed that Her Highness Princess Lalla Joumala(Ambassador of His Majesty The King of Morocco to the Court of St James in London) will be unable to open Lincolnshire’s very own souk.

But Lincoln BIG events and promotions manager Michael Armstrong said it still promises to be a very special occasion. “The Princess, who was heading the high-flying delegation visiting the city, has sadly had to pull out of the opening ceremony due to having to be in London for the arrival of a Senior Official delegation and the celebration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“However, she has personally expressed her sincere gratitude for the support and encouragement given by Lincoln to make this market – which will run until May 20 –  a great success,” said Mr Armstrong.

“Given the importance of this great and  the tremendous good work accomplished, the Princess has personally asked the following diplomatic officials to represent her.”

And they will be joined by Lincoln’s new Mayoral Party – Mayor Councillor Karen Lee, Mayor’s Consort Councillor Neil Murray, Sheriff Melanie Tointon and Sheriff’s Consort  Stephen Tointon, for the opening at 11am (at High Street’s junction with the Cornhill).

The visiting party will include Deputy Ambassador Othmane Bahnini; Minister Counsellor, Head of Communication and Cultural Department Larbi Rmiki; Minister Counsellor, Head of Economic Department Larbi Bouattaf; Director for UK and Ireland, Moroccan Tourist Board in London Jamal Boujrad and Moroccan Press Agency Reporter Abedelghani Aouifia.

The Moroccan Market will see 36 stalls, laden with all manner of fantastic goods, bring  the ambience of the Souk to the Central High Street and Cornhill areas.

Traders will be encouraging people to stop for a chat, browse and buy products including leather purses, wallets and bags, Berber rugs, lamps, silver jewellery, eyecatching mirrors, grass baskets, slippers and more.

On the first day of the Market, there will also be a chance to enjoy authentic Moroccan music, provided by two 10-strong groups – the Gnawa Band and Berber Band.

The visiting  party is also planning to go along to the Chad Varah Primary School in St Giles’s, Lincoln, which has been involved in previous Moroccan Markets and it is hoped that Moroccan Television will cover the opening ceremony.

The Moroccan Market will mark the third time Lincoln has welcomed this fantastic attraction.  A Market was hosted by the city last October and in December 2011,  a Moroccan Village was created at St Mark’s Retail Park.  It traded for the whole of the Christmas period, giving shoppers the chance tobuy some unusual presents and gifts for their home.

“We know that these events help to strengthen trading links between the UK and Morocco, but they also attract shoppers from miles around and help to encourage more tourists to visit our beautiful city too,” said Mr Armstrong.

Richard Hall and Bev Bamber inside Bishop Greaves Theatre. Photograph courtesy of the Lincolnshire Echo

Wind back the clock to last year and finding a place to watch top movies in Lincoln left you with just a few options.

But then came an announcement that the former cinema-turned-pub Ritz venue was to be returned to its former glory and once more open its doors as a cinema, and the collective cinema-loving population rejoiced.

Now, film buffs will be celebrating as the movie scene in the city is given another boost with an announcement that Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln is to open a state-of-the-art digital cinema.

BG plans to spend more than £75,000 to turn Bishop Greaves Theatre on the Longdales Road campus into a top-quality cinema which can also stage theatrical productions.

Work will begin in the summer and The Venue, as it will be called, will open its doors to the public in September with a new digital projection system, surround sound and fully refurbished seating.

Plans for the new cinema include a Silver Screen series, a children’s matinee series, mainstream films and an independent arthouse film programme.

“We’re very excited about these plans, which will provide an alternative venue for cinema in uphill Lincoln without losing the performing arts space on campus which is so important to us,” said Bev Bamber, Head of Conferencing and Events at BG.

“We’re always looking for ways to encourage Lincoln residents to use our facilities and there is scope for us to address the lack of a quality cinema experience in uphill Lincoln.

“We’ve been discussing this for 15 months and we’re all delighted that the plan is now coming to fruition.

“Rather than competing with the ODEON and the Ritz, The Venue will complement the existing offer and provide the public with more choice.

“Our main commercial offering will be films, but The Venue will continue to be used for drama teaching and stage productions.”

Ticket prices for cinema screenings at The Venue are expected to be around £5 with concessions for students, children and OAPs.

Among the attractions will be British rapper and grime artist Loick Essien, a competition to win tickets to the 2012 Games and the chance to have your photo taken with the Olympic Torch itself!

The event will take place at Yarborough Sports Ground between 5pm and 7.30pm and guarantees to be a spectacular evening of music, dance and entertainment.

Councillor Donald Nannestad from City of Lincoln Council commented: “The Lincoln Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration is set to be an exciting event, packed full of entertainment for all the family. 

“As well as a fantastic performance from Loick Essien, we’ll be celebrating our local talent with some incredible performances by dancers, gymnasts and musicians from across Lincolnshire.  This is a fantastic event to be a part of, and I would encourage as many people as possible to apply for free tickets.”

At the start and finish of the event local company In Production Music will showcase local talent One World performing a dance and gymnastics show. Musicians will play a mix of hip-hop, dubstep, banghra and other world music styles whilst dancers, gymnasts, parkour artists and free runners will perform both on stage and off stage.

Lee Gretton, Owner of In Production Music and Producer of One World, said: “It feels great for us to be so directly involved with the Olympic Torch Relay Celebrations in Lincoln. 

“We’re working with some amazing young performers from across the county to put together two pieces that showcase the fantastic breadth of talent from our region.   We’re really looking forward to the day itself and feel very proud to be a part of this fantastic event.”

To apply for free tickets (limited to eight per household) visit Lincoln Drill Hall or call the box office on 01522 873894. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event!

This year’s headline act is Clare Teal & Her Musicians who will be performing at Lincoln Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) on Thursday 17^th May. Clare Teal is one of the most successful female jazz singers and she also signed the biggest ever recording deal by a British Jazz singer.

She performs If Love Were All and Try A Little Tenderness alongside her interpretation of contemporary hits such as Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars and Moloko’s Sing It Back, promising to offer something for everyone.

LPAC Artistic Director Craig Morrow commented: “I’m really excited to have Clare Teal coming to Lincoln Performing Arts Centre as part of her national tour. Clare is one of the best jazz vocalists on the scene and it’s a real coup to have her come and sing songs from her critically acclaimed new album as part of Lincoln Jazz Week.

“LPAC is fast becoming the place to see great jazz in Lincoln and it’s brilliant that we’re able to host the headline act for Lincoln Jazz Week again this year.”

There’s a whole host of other events going on throughout the week kicking off with Jazz It Up at the Lincoln Hotel tomorrow (12^th May) from 6pm until 9pm. Featuring five-piece jazz band Midnight Masquerade and hosted by BBC Lincolnshire’s Melvyn Prior, it guarantees to be a fantastic evening of eating drinking and dancing!

On Wednesday (16^th May) you can choose between the Neil C Young Trio at the Tower Hotel or if you are going downhill why not pop into the Drill Hall café bar and enjoy the sounds of the Julie Edwards and Kevin Dearden Quintet. Both performances start at 8pm.

If you’re heading out into the city on Friday (18^th May) jazz week returns to the LPAC with Me and Mr Jones between 5pm and 7pm. Then you can move on to the DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln on the Brayford and enjoy the Colin Dudman Trio from 7:30pm!

Lincoln BIG Events and Promotions Manager Michael Armstrong said: “Jazz week is one of the highlights of our events calendar and seems to grow in popularity year on year.  Once again, strong support from Lincoln businesses means that jazz-lovers have a great selection of venues and performances to choose from and a musical menu which aims to provide sounds from across the jazz spectrum.”

These are just a few of the highlights… check out LoveLincoln.co.uk for a comprehensive listing of everything that’s going on throughout the week! And don’t forget, with the exception of Clare Teal at LPAC, all of the events are free so don’t miss out!

Before attending the gig I knew Dennis Rollins was a legendary musician who sold out shows around the world. I knew he had joined world-renowned saxophonist Courtney Pine and the pioneering Jazz Warriors. But what I didn’t know was if he could entertain me  – a self confessed jazz neophyte – on a Friday night in Lincoln.

Thankfully, the answer was an overwhelming yes. So overwhelming in fact that Dennis Rollins and the Velocity Trio at the Drill Hall has earned the title as one of the best and most musical gigs I’ve ever seen. And it has also changed my impression of the trombone. It can be cool; you just have to be really, really good, innovative, creative, and have more charisma than George Clooney’s strut – just like Dennis.

One of the first things I noticed about the trio when they walked on stage was how warm, friendly and playful they all were – not what I had expected from a jazz ensemble who usually look like they’re thinking really, really hard about something really, really complex.

This was part of the trio’s magic. While they were playing really, really complex music, it was also accessible and enjoyable. The players were smiling at each other, and you could really tell that, as Dennis told the crowd ‘ it was a real pleasure playing this music to you.’ And what a sound they had. The technical skills of the organist, Ross Stanley, made you swear that there was a double bass on stage as he knitted baselines, melodies, harmonies and solos with incredible funk and rhythm.

The drummer, Pedro Segundo, deserves his own paragraph. He was incredible. His solo was the best I’ve ever seen, and even impressed my very talented drummer friend who was in awe of his smooth combination of kit work and Latin hand percussion.

The trio was born from a conversation Dennis had with Courtney Pine. He had asked Dennis if it was possible to present a trombone-led organ trio, reflecting his musical influences and styles. Denis said it was – and he delivered. His style is described on the sleeve of his new album The 11^th Gate (which we had to buy and get signed after the show!) as one that doesn’t ignore his familiar areas of funk and groove but also explores the ideas of Global Awareness. This is reflected though the album’s title – referencing the date 11.11.11 believed by many to usher in an age of Global Awareness – resulting in a sound which focuses on the evolution of human collective consciousness and the need to recognize each individual’s spiritual being.

You see, they were thinking about really, really complex things. You just wouldn’t know it with all the smiling and overwhelming need to tap your feet and unwind on a Friday night.

If this has put you in the mood for some jazz, check out the free music on offer during Lincoln Jazz Festival (12th to 19th May). For more information go to: www.LoveLincoln.co.uk

Two weeks ago my boyfriend proposed. We were in a rowboat on a lake in Hyde Park when he got down on one knee and asked that question. It was overwhelmingly exciting and I still can’t stop smiling or celebrating or randomly staring at my ring during meetings…and while I cross the road…and while I make dinner…and wh.en I’m typng…

Yet, while Hyde Park was where the most romantic moment of my life took place, I have to credit beautiful Lincoln for setting the scene. With its cobble stone streets, invigorating arts scene and historic architecture I have deemed little Lincoln the Brad Pitt of romantic towns:  it may look a little too pretty at first, but look at it long enough and there’s more than just a twinkle in this town’s eye*.

(* Please note, it is less than 14 days since I got engaged and thus I am utilising the ‘allowed cheesy lines’ clause, thank you.)

So, while it was hard to narrow it down, here are my top five most romantic things to do in Lincoln.

1. Adopt a book for your loved one from the Wren or Medieval Library, Lincoln Cathedral

The Wren Library is located in Lincoln Cathedral and was described by Sir Roy Strong as “the most beautiful room in England”. The room contains more than 5,000 volumes from the personal library of Michael Honywood, Dean of Lincoln from 1660 to 1681.

When you adopt a book, a bookplate is added to its inside cover and you can also organise to tour the library to visit your book.  For more information go to: http://lincolncathedral.com/support-us/adopt-a/

2. Leave a message of love on the message wall at Café Aroma

In a cozy room upstairs at one of the cities finest coffee houses, voted one of the top ten coffee shops in the UK by The Guardian http://coffeearoma.co.uk/, there is a wall filled with secrets. Next to the wall are pens, blank paper and a box with a sign encouraging you to write your own and add to the magic. Among the confessions are moving declarations of love.

3. Take a stroll in the Woodlands

Lincolnshire is blessed with some of the most impressive woodlands in the nation. Swanholme Lakes in Hartsholme Country Park is always calming and sets the scene for a bit of romance. Such woodlands have also inspired some pretty impressive poetry from Tennyson, Keats and the whole flowery word gang. I challenge any woman not to swoon after hearing poetry in woodlands. And if you’re not attached, you can still wander deep into the woods and hug a tree… everything needs a bit of love.

4. See a play in the grounds of Lincoln Castle.

Each summer Lincoln Castle hosts open air theatre. The audience gathers on the lawn inside the castle walls and is treated to some of the bard’s best. Last year I was lucky enough to catch A Midsummer Night’s Dream and my lovely (now fiancé) prepared an impressive picnic of cheese and wine as accompaniment. (In order to restore a bit of my dearest’s manly reputation, I must admit that following the play we went to the Magna Carta and drank a lot of beer.)

The next Open Air Theatre performance will be Macbeth, performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men.

24^th June 5.30pm – 10pm

Gates open at 5:30pm

Show starts 6.30pm

Ticket Prices: Adult £14.50, Child £8.50

5.  Be carried down Steep Hill after a night in heels

As pub closing time approaches, many ladies out on the town are filled with dread at the thought of having to tackle Steep Hill (up or down) in their finest shoes.  At the same time, many men have a similar feeling: the dread of assisting their tipsy ladies by way of piggy back or assisted lean down or up the hill.

And for many men, at 4am and after a dirty kebab, this act is as poetic and filled with love as a sonnet at sunset.

Why not take the family to Lincoln Castle and say hello to Mac the Harris Hawk and Loxley the Lanner Falcon during their Bird of Prey weekend (5^th to 7^th May). Resident falconer Derek Tindall will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about them and falconry. There will be the opportunity to photograph the birds at 11am and flying displays will take place within the castle grounds at 1pm and 3.30pm.

Or if you like to get more involved then head to Bishop Grosseteste University College and join in with their 150th anniversary celebrations! This year they’re combining their annual Homecoming Family Fun Day and their yearly Old Students Association reunion. The weekend includes a variety of events, consisting of everything from academic activities to egg and spoon races. Highlights will include a lecture from BG respected academic Dr Jack Cunningham, a Mo Willoughby Memorial Football Tournament and a Battle of the Bands contest. On Saturday (5^th May) there will be a Food Court on the main field which will provide a range of food and drink. All activities will take place within the BG grounds and are free for all to attend so don’t miss out!

If you’re the kind of person who would rather watch than take part, A Night of Dirty Dancing at the Theatre Royal (6^th May) might be more your thing! Featuring all the hits of the iconic film, this show is presented by a cast of West End professionals and is a major success wherever they perform. Re-live Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s thrilling and breathtaking performances and enjoy this production you’ll want to see again and again.

If you’re looking for something a bit more lively then Lincoln’s newest club Lola Lo has a weekend of events planned for you. Friday (4^th May) hosts Tiki Beats May Ball – where better to celebrate the start of summer than in a tropical tiki paradise? For VIP Tiki Booth bookings call 01522 525828.

Then on Saturday (5^th May) it’s time to party like a rockstar at Zombie Nation Payday Party. Escape with their resident DJ on a paradise mission to the darker side of Tiki. This mix master is guaranteed to supply songs to smile, sing and sway to, with sultry delicious beats to accompany the decadent tropical atmosphere! Lola Lo brings the Bank Holiday to a close in style with Oh My! Lincoln’s finest mid-week party with 90% Old Skool joints and jams and 10% future classics. Complimentary entry and half-price cocktails are on offer before midnight so make sure you get there early!

These are just a few of the events going on in and around Lincoln this Bank Holiday weekend. To see more of the brilliant events coming up or our comprehensive list of theatres, galleries, pubs, clubs and restaurants in the city, log on to LoveLincoln.co.uk!

Off The Bench officially opened the café, which has been named Grounded, on Friday (20^th April). The facility is aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds and will provide information and guidance for young people not in education,
employment or training (NEET).

In addition to the café there will also be a one-to-one area where young people can seek guidance from a member of staff who will give advice on training and employment opportunities and encourage them to get involved in volunteering and other positive activities.

Pete Genders, Off The Bench CEO, commented: “We are delighted to finally see a purpose-built facility for young people providing education support and guidance. The reason for setting it up as a café was so that the service could be self-funded.

“We are really excited to be running and developing the venue, which is the first in a planned roll-out of youth café venues across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. These will form a collection of safe environments for young people to meet friends, eat, drink, chill and play.”

The café will create two jobs which will provide young people with experience in the catering and hospitality industry and will increase their chances of securing future employment.

It will be open every day from 8am until 4pm and on Thursday and Friday evenings between 6pm and 9pm until Friday 4^th May. After this time the café will be open every day from 9am to 9pm.

The centre has been created in partnership with Lincoln City Council and has also been supported by Lincoln College, Lincolnshire County Council and the police, with funding for the project coming from the Home Office Crime Innovation Fund.

Take a look at this great video of the design and build of Grounded http://vimeo.com/40485129

Keep your eye on LoveLincoln.co.uk for updates on this project!