IQA World Cup VI

The Harry Potter Franchise recently ended. Following the release of the last book and film "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows" it has all gone quiet in Hogwarts. Although there was huge outcry for more books, JK Rowling has now hung up her quill for children's literature and has started writing fiction for a more grown up audience. But the spirit of Harry Potter lives on in numerous guises and it will last for many years to come, particularly in the USA. In Florida the international Quidditch Association World Cup is due to take place in April 13th-14th. Here the fanatical HP fan is able to immerse themselves in the world of spells, magic and ruthless sporting competition.

The story goes that JK Rowling had the idea for this most popular of children's novels during a train journey from Manchester to London. She had a vision of a boy who didn't know he was a wizard, who had his world turned upside down after an invitation to strange school for sorcerers. Who would have thought that from such humble beginnings, a boring train journey to the South of England, a cultural phenomenon would arise? And more unlikely perhaps, the author has created her own sport in the process, which people now play as if it were real.

The competition has all of the makings to be a really authentic Quidditch experience; the only difference of course is a lack of flying broomsticks and magic. The event will take place in Austin, Tindall Park, and Fox News has described the merriment as "a cross between the superbowl and a medieval festival."

As many as 80 teams will descend on the hallowed turf from colleges up and down the USA. But if the movies taught us anything, it is that Quidditch is not for the weak-hearted. Especially when over 1,600 broom-wielding participants will jostle for position in what is essentially a full-throttle contact sport.

But there are other elements to the entertainment, not just running about after bludgers and quaffles, and it will incorporate live music performances, magicians, fancy dress and much more.

Dubstep in Red Rock

The distinctive sound of Dubstep has come a long way from its origins in South London in the late 90s. In recent times the genre has been accepted into the hearts and minds of the general public, with numerous remixes and mash ups selling well in the USA charts. Original pioneers like Benga, Skream and Chase & Status started out underground with only a small hardcore of fans, but the tides have changed considerably. They are all international stars today.

Even the pop establishment in the USA has become aware of this intoxicating new sound, with megastars like Britney Spears sampling some of the tracks.

But there is one dub event on the horizon that has got everybody salivating. A handful of cutting edge dubsteppers are going to grace one of the most jaw-dropping arenas in the world, the Red Rock Amphitheatre near Denver. Flux Pavilion have never been shy of a challenge, and along with Excision with Zomboy, Dirtyphonics Live and Designer Drugs, they intend to take d'n'b to the masses. This is not any old music venue however, as it is situated 2000 meters above sea level and has panoramic views over the gorgeous rocky outcrops in Morrison, Colorado. The setting is truly spectacular.

But fundamentally this is a music venue that delivers unbeatable sound quality. Scientists have called this venue a wonder of the world, considering it is the only naturally occurring amphitheatre with ‘perfect' acoustics anywhere in the world. It has the ‘wow' factor which makes it the perfect setting for huge bands, and with a capacity of 9000 people it can generate quite a noise.

The history of this arena extends far beyond the ancient natural rocks which form its foundations. Some of rock and rolls most famous sons have graced the stage, such as The Beatles who played here in 1964. Other performers here include Jimi Hendrix and U2.

Las Mariposas Civil War Days – Education Day

The American Civil War was a particularly bloody period in the tumultuous history of the USA. It split the country down the middle and framed the abolitionist movement of the time, on one side the Confederacy (South) and on the other side the Union (North). Like all great battles in history, it has a particular resonance for the American people, who see the civil war as a titanic battle for freedom and liberty. Many people remember the fallen men and women in different ways, but in Mariposa, California, they have an event that immerses you right back in the conflict.

Tensions were escalating as a result of the anti-slavery movement in the 1850s, particularly in the Deep South where slavery was a huge industry for the owners of cotton plantations. President Abraham Lincoln was a central player in this story and was fiercely opposed to slavery, heading the abolitionist movement. Many efforts were made to hammer out a peace settlement and avoid war with the South, but nothing materialised. War was inevitable.

This war was a watershed moment in many ways, as it signalled the movement to mechanised warfare. Mass-production was starting to become more prevalent and new killing machines were used with greater accuracy on the battlefields. Because of this new technology the causalities were enormous, and the conflict remains the most deadly in the USA's history, with over 750,000 soldiers estimated to have died between 1861 – 1865.

Now there is an event in Mariposa, California, on April 13th 2013 that re-enacts some of the most telling events in the chronology of the fighting. You can get a real sense of what the American Civil War was really like, as historians and enthusiasts take you on a guided tour through a bygone era, using a variety of live demonstrations and story-telling to communicate the full spectrum of the war.

The event goes by the name of ‘Las Mariposas Civil War Days – Education Day' and there are so many exciting things to see and do. All the while you can feed your mind with interesting factual information and interactive tours, such as: Infantry Demonstrations, Live Artillery and Cavalry Demonstrations. You can also carry out a make-believe Q & A with notable figures like President Lincoln, President Davis, General Grant, General Lee and Colonel Fremantle. Then try your hand at being a blacksmith for an hour or if that does not tickle your fancy there is always the pony express!

Event Information: http://thecivilwardays.com/

New Orleans Jazz Fest

Jazz comes deep from the soul of the Afro-American tradition in the USA, emerging from the Southern States during a time of great political and social strife. Music was a great release in the pressure cooker that was America in the early 20th Century and this kind of music captures perfectly the ferocious energy and unpredictability of the age. The world famous trombonist J. J. Johnson captured the essence of the music saying: "Jazz is restless. It won't stay put and it never will." It continues to move people today.

In New Orleans they celebrate their jazz heritage in style with a wonderful event that brings together all types of music. This is known officially as the Jazz & Heritage Festival, but is more popularly known as the Jazz Fest on the street. 2013 is promising to be a bumper year with over 10-days of live music and food you can start to understand how much jazz means to the people, and how far it has travelled around the world. This year will see the likes of Billy Joel, The Black Keys and Maroon 5 make appearances.

International and local artists come from all over to contribute to the musical fusion between April 26th and May 5th. Organisers have repeatedly shown they are keen to blend different styles together, with past performers including: Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Santana, Sarah Vaughan, Paul Simon and Jimmy Buffett.

Jazz was one of the first major American exports and this festival represents a joy for the eyes and ears of the music connoisseur. You can expect a roster of thousands of musicians, chefs and artisans to cater to the 400,000 fellow music lovers who are predicted to be in attendance.

For more info please visit:

http://www.nojazzfest.com/