Music agenda: MTV VMAs, Bestival, Bonn Beethovenfest
Recording artist Drake arrives at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. — AFP-Relaxnews picBONN, Sept 3 — On September 6 the annual MTV Video Music Awards will be honouring the best videos from the past year with Rihanna and Drake leading this year's nominees. Over the following week the UK's alternative festival Bestival plays host to Stevie Wonder, Sigur Ross, The xx and other big alt. names, though Frank Ocean will no longer be attending. The following day after Bestival begins Beethoven celebration Beethovenfest kicks off in Bonn, Germany.
MTV Video Music Awards
Los Angeles, USA
September 6
This year's MTV Video Music Awards, which honors the best music videos from the previous year, will be hosted by actor and comedian Kevin Hart. Rihanna and Drake are this year's most nominated artists with five each, while Katy Perry and Beyoncé both received four. The event will be shown live on MTV.
http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2012/
Bestival
Isle of Wight, UK
September 6-9
Bestival, an annual event since 2004, is dubbed a “boutique” festival for its alternative acts and notably non-corporate feel. Headlining this year at Robin Hill County Park are Stevie Wonder, New Order, The xx, Justice, Sigur Ros, Friendly Fires, Hot Chip, [Frank Ocean has now cancelled], and Major Lazer. A four-day pass costs £180 (RM890).
http://2012.bestival.net
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Bonn Beethovenfest
September 7-October 7
Bonn, Germany
This annual celebration of Beethoven is held in the composer's hometown. This year welcomes Daniel Harding conducting Filarmonica della Scala, and Christine Schäfer makes her festival debut with songs by Strauss. Ticket prices vary.
http://beethovenfest.de
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Bob Dylan releases Tempest
September 10/11
UK/USA
US folk legend Bob Dylan will release his 35th studio album, Tempest, on Columbia Records, featuring ten new tracks. The release coincides with the 50th anniversary of the singer's debut album.
http://www.bobdylan.com
Mumford and Sons release Babel
September 21/24/25
Europe/UK/USA
English folk rock darlings Mumford and Sons are set to release their sophomore album Babel. The album can be pre-ordered via the band's website.
http://www.mumfordandsons.com/
Taylor Swift releases Red
October 22
Worldwide
US singer/songwriter Taylor Swift's fourth studio album, titled Red, is slated for release on October 22. The singer recently released the lead single from the album, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” which is available to download from iTunes via her website. — AFP-Relaxnews
http://taylorswift.com/
