CocóNonó are a band based in Bogota, Colombia. They were formed in 2012 and it's about time the rest of the world heard about them, frankly. Lovers of rock n 'roll, country, bluegrass and jazz, among others, the band members compose songs from these influences, with lyrics in English, French and Spanish mainly.
This deliriously energetic video for their eponymous song was created by Ana Maria Angel, an animator and illustrator from Colombia, currently living in Berlin.
I speak only a few words of Spanish, mostly involving alcohol, beaches and, ahem, the wild thing - so if the lyrics to this song are completely and utterly rude and not suitable for a family audience then I really can't say I told you so.
We said we would try and bring you more dance on Kuriositas and here is something quite marvellous. An old lady reflects on her past and finds herself transported back in time with the dance partner from her youth.
The music is provided by the Barcelona based band CatPeople (pictured below). This year CatPeople gave to their fans 50,000 copies of their third album without any music label's help. Although they were popular first only in Spain they have slowly but surely gained a following throughout the rest of Europe.
This is a beautifully put together short film about homelessness by Philip Bloom. It raises awareness of an issue that most people like to pretend doesn't exist, at least not in the most powerful country in the world.
You could argue that it does beautify some very distressing circumstances through these stunning shots, but it is this juxtaposition of human suffering and wonderful filmmaking that provokes thought about these things going on day in and day out that are tucked away out of sight.
Plus the soundtrack is beautifully chosen – a serene (at least to begin with) and haunting version of the Mary Poppins number Chim Chim Cher-ee by London based band Turin Brakes.
Some news of a sad nature. Dave Prowse, the 75 year old actor who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy has, it seems, been banned from any convention that has a connection with Lucasfilm. Can you really have a proper convention without Darth Vader?
On his website, Prowse states ‘I am not to be invited to C5 this year or any other Lucas Film (sic) associated events. After enquiring, the only thing I have been told is that I have "burnt too many bridges between Lucas Film and myself" - no other reason given.’ What the burnt bridges may be referring to is not exactly a secret.
Prowse has never hidden his chagrin that George Lucas originally agreed to allow the bodybuilding six foot six actor appear at the end of Return when Vader’s mask finally comes off. When the film was released it was another actor who appeared in place of Prowse.
Celebration V, which takes place in August and which will be playing host this year to Luke Skywalker (aka Mark Hamill) will now, it seems be without Dave Prowse - pictured above at last year's convention. Ironic that on the Celebration V website, this is stated:
Star Wars Celebration is the official Lucasfilm event celebrating all things Star Wars, produced by fans for fans. Celebrations are the largest Star Wars parties, featuring cast and crew celebrities, fans, costumes, music, live entertainment, autographs, collectibles, and panels — but mainly friends who gather to have fun and celebrate their love for the saga.
Grrr. If Dave Prowse is not all things Star Wars, then goodness only knows what is. However, Prowse states that he will be at other conventions across the globe.
To be frank, we at Kuriositas will always remember Mr Prowse as the original Darth Vader, but we recall him much more fondly for his role in the 1970s as the Green Cross Code Man (or, just simply Green Cross). This superhero saved as many lives as Darth Vader took away with his sensible advice about how to cross roads safely.
We will always warmly and with a smile recollect, as any British person of a certain age will, his safety mantra.
Always Use the Green Cross Code Because I won't be there when you cross the road.
So, just for nostalgia's sake, here is one of those adverts.
