Recommended mod shirtmakers article

Been meaning to add to the buyer's guides for some time, but have struggled to make time to do it. Thankfully, things are now a little more on track, so look out for lots more guides - starting with a list of recommended mod shirtmakers.

The list isn't definitive, indeed, it's just a top five (and indeed only the opinion of this site), but I've tried to go a little off the beaten track (rather than sticking to the high street), but making sure all listed have websites you can order online and find out more.

If you want to check out the recommended mod shirtmakers article, follow the link below.

Modern-day mod shirtmakers

Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair

With the first event being a success (over 700 paying punters through the door), the Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair returns on Sunday 12th July 2009.

It takes place at The Old Sessions House, Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R ONA from 10:30am trade (£4 entry) or 11am public (£3 entry), running through to 5pm. For that, you get to take in 35 'quality' dealers from all over the UK & Europe, selling clothing from the 1800s-1980s for both men and women.

There's even an in-house tailor for alterations, an on-site cafe, some vintage tunes over the sound system, dancing exhibitions in the foyer and a vintage-inspired beauty parlour
 
Find out more at the Clerkenwell Fashion Fair website

History of the UK Jazz Dance Scene

It's been 10 years in the making, which just might give you an idea of the depth of From Jazz Funk & Fusion to Acid Jazz - The History of the UK Jazz Dance Scene.

The work of Mark 'Snowboy' Cotgrove and designed by one of our favourite artist/designers Swifty, this 290-page book looks at the evolution of black music and clubbing in the UK from the early 70s to the mid-90s, taking in the all-dayers, weekenders and clubs, including The Goldmine, Chaplins, Lacy Lady, Berlin, The Central, Chaplins, Crackers, Electric Ballroom and The Wag.

Retro TV W/C 26th June 2009

Barry Murphy returns once more trawl the TV and radio guides (so you don't have to) to find anything worth tuning into this week. All listings are for UK terrestrial TV, Freeview and national radio, with the shows running from Friday 26th June to Thursday 2nd July 2009.
 
Highlights of the week 

This week's television and radio is dominated by coverage of this year's Glastonbury festival. Among the highlights are performances from the recently reformed Specials ( BBC 4. Friday 26th, 9pm) and Madness (BBC 4. Sunday 28th, 7pm) both introduced by Mark Radcliffe.
Although a repeat, Soul Britannia (BBC 4, Friday 26th, 10pm) is unmissable. The second part of this excellent 3 part series charting the dynamic impact of black American and Caribbean sounds on British music and society is absolutely essential viewing. This weeks episode explores the time-frame of the early 1970s to the mid 80s, featuring Northern soul, skinheads, Ska and 2-tone. With contributions from Pete Townshend, Paul Weller and Kevin Rowland, among others.

Cult Clip: Outrigger in 1984

If you ever went to the Outrigger in the 1980s, you might appreciate this clip of the club, dating back to 1984.

Apparently from BBC Midlands Today, the film has been retrieved from an old video tape and given a new lease of life courtesy of YouTube. Even if you didn't go, it's still an interesting insight into the mod scene of the mid 80s.