Oz in Spain

…in Fuengirola

Mine host BigM and the cheerleaders

Australia makes a long-awaited return to the Fuengirola fairground as the popular Feria Internacional de los Pueblos opens on Saturday 28 April (continuing until Tuesday 1 May). (more…)

Portraits of Picasso

A new exhibition at Málaga’s Museo Picasso highlights the intense interest shown by photographers of the time in the Málaga-born artist’s work and life. Titled “MemyselfandI: Photographic Portraits of Picasso”, the collection has been jointly brought together by Museo Picasso Málaga and Museum Ludwig (Cologne) and features 166 shots by 34 photographers. It covers a period that began in the early 20th century – the bohemian years in Paris — with pictures showing “a playful Picasso, surrounded by friends and acquaintances”, mostly taken by

his artist friends. In his later years, as famous artists were given access to portray him, the settings became “rather more rigid and controlled”. A book published to coincide with the exhibition explains that, in response to the growing interest in his person, Picasso turned himself into a director, set designer, props master and performer in his photos. “They were the

forerunners of the media events staged by Andy Warhol.” (more…)

A friend “very high up in the media world who has been tapping the phones in Australia House for many years” gave Barry Humphries an inkling. “I can’t tell you his name; he is married to a Chinese girl. He said it was between me and Julian Assange and it turned out to be me.”

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HER RECORD label describes the sound as “tropical pop” but Hollie Cook’s self-titled debut album covers a far wider genre – a melodious and hauntingly captivating mix of dub, ska and reggae.

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The 2011 Miss Universe pageant in Brazil became more interesting than usual (i.e. mildly interesting) when, in the endless round of mostly meaningless lead-up events, Miss Colombia Catalina Robayo was snapped in a short dress inadvertently (or not) minus knickers.

Oh yes… and the winner was Leila Lopes from Angola. Miss Australia Scherri-Lee Biggs, who was also reprimanded by the organisers for an “offensively see-through” evening gown and a “way too sexy” bikini, finished in the top 10.

“I want to work with Johnny Depp”

PENELOPE CRUZ has become the first Spaniard to be honoured with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. (more…)

Vibrant Cuban rhythms in Marbella

STUNNINGLY TALENTED singer, pianist and composer Yanela Brooks has a deep passion for music that began when she studied the genre from the age of seven at an academy in Cuba. Later forming a band with 12 other girls before graduating, she was always destined for success. (more…)

Feria International de los Pueblos in Fuengirola

FUENGIROLA becomes a festive profusion of sounds, flavours and aromas from around the world when the town hosts the annual Feria Internacional de los Pueblos from 29 April to 2 May.

Last year’s fair – the 16th edition – attracted an estimated one million visitors over the four days, with 33 countries and Spanish regions offering an exotic taste of their traditions and cuisine in the colourful setting of the Fuengirola fairground.

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New album from Raimundo Amador

VIRTUOSO SPANISH guitarist Raimundo Amador will be performing at Málaga’s París 15 concert hall on 19 February, presenting his new album Medio Hombre, Medio Guitarra. (more…)

Elegant and masterful exhibition in Málaga

THE LATEST exhibition by Mariano Fernández Cornejo runs from 23 November to 12 December at the Espacio Tres Gallery in Málaga. (more…)