Utilita Arena Birmingham

Experience the magic of Lionel Richie - VIP Packages at the Utilita Arena Birmingham! Richie, a celebrated R&B icon, is known for his chart-topping hits like 'Endless Love,' 'All Night Long,' and 'Hello,' gracing albums such as 'Lionel Richie' and 'Can't Slow Down.' The superstar has collaborated with icons, including Diana Ross. The show promises an unforgettable performance. The Utilita Arena Birmingham, with its substantial capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, stands as a premier entertainment destination. Birmingham, a vibrant city known for its rich industrial history and cultural diversity, sets the perfect stage for this musical extravaganza. Richie's past performances have garnered rave reviews for his engaging stage presence and timeless music, guaranteeing a spectacular night this June.

Experience the magic of Lionel Richie - VIP Packages at the Utilita Arena Birmingham! Richie, a celebrated R&B icon, is known for his chart-topping hits like 'Endless Love,' 'All Night Long,' and 'Hello,' gracing albums such as 'Lionel Richie' and 'Can't Slow Down.' The superstar has collaborated with icons, including Diana Ross. The show promises an unforgettable performance. The Utilita Arena Birmingham, with its substantial capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, stands as a premier entertainment destination. Birmingham, a vibrant city known for its rich industrial history and cultural diversity, sets the perfect stage for this musical extravaganza. Richie's past performances have garnered rave reviews for his engaging stage presence and timeless music, guaranteeing a spectacular night this June.

Milton Keynes Theatre

Sounds Of The 60's Live, hosted by the legendary Tony Blackburn OBE, brings the swinging sounds of a generation to Milton Keynes Theatre. Tony Blackburn, a broadcasting icon since the pirate radio days and a BBC Radio 1 original, has been sharing his love for 60s music for decades. Expect to hear timeless classics from artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks. Milton Keynes Theatre, a premier venue in the heart of Milton Keynes, offers state-of-the-art facilities and a capacity to host large audiences, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Milton Keynes, known for its innovative design and vibrant cultural scene, provides the perfect backdrop for this nostalgic musical journey. Get ready to twist and shout the night away!

Sounds Of The 60's Live, hosted by the legendary Tony Blackburn OBE, brings the swinging sounds of a generation to Milton Keynes Theatre. Tony Blackburn, a broadcasting icon since the pirate radio days and a BBC Radio 1 original, has been sharing his love for 60s music for decades. Expect to hear timeless classics from artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks. Milton Keynes Theatre, a premier venue in the heart of Milton Keynes, offers state-of-the-art facilities and a capacity to host large audiences, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Milton Keynes, known for its innovative design and vibrant cultural scene, provides the perfect backdrop for this nostalgic musical journey. Get ready to twist and shout the night away!

Utilita Arena Birmingham

Lionel Richie brings his spectacular 'Say Hello To the Hits' tour to Birmingham's Utilita Arena. Expect a night filled with iconic melodies and unforgettable performances. Richie, known for his global hits like 'Endless Love,' 'All Night Long,' and 'Hello,' promises an evening of pure musical magic. The Utilita Arena Birmingham, with a capacity of approximately 15,800, is well-regarded for its excellent acoustics and facilities, ensuring an amazing concert experience. Birmingham, a vibrant city in the West Midlands, is celebrated for its rich musical history and enthusiastic audiences. Past performances by legendary artists at this venue have consistently garnered rave reviews, setting the stage for another phenomenal show. Get ready to dance and sing along to the songs that have defined generations. R&B, R&B, Music

Lionel Richie brings his spectacular 'Say Hello To the Hits' tour to Birmingham's Utilita Arena. Expect a night filled with iconic melodies and unforgettable performances. Richie, known for his global hits like 'Endless Love,' 'All Night Long,' and 'Hello,' promises an evening of pure musical magic. The Utilita Arena Birmingham, with a capacity of approximately 15,800, is well-regarded for its excellent acoustics and facilities, ensuring an amazing concert experience. Birmingham, a vibrant city in the West Midlands, is celebrated for its rich musical history and enthusiastic audiences. Past performances by legendary artists at this venue have consistently garnered rave reviews, setting the stage for another phenomenal show. Get ready to dance and sing along to the songs that have defined generations. R&B, R&B, Music

G Live Guildford

Experience the timeless music of Fleetwood Mac with Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at G Live Guildford. This tribute act captures the essence of the legendary band, performing hits like "Go Your Own Way," "Dreams," and "Landslide." G Live Guildford, with a capacity of over 1,000, offers state-of-the-art acoustics and a comfortable setting to enjoy the performance. Guildford, a historic town in Surrey, is known for its vibrant arts scene and picturesque setting. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac has garnered praise for their authentic recreations of Fleetwood Mac's iconic sound, transporting audiences back to the band's heyday. Their dedication to replicating the original band's sound and energy has earned them a loyal following and critical acclaim.

Experience the timeless music of Fleetwood Mac with Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at G Live Guildford. This tribute act captures the essence of the legendary band, performing hits like "Go Your Own Way," "Dreams," and "Landslide." G Live Guildford, with a capacity of over 1,000, offers state-of-the-art acoustics and a comfortable setting to enjoy the performance. Guildford, a historic town in Surrey, is known for its vibrant arts scene and picturesque setting. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac has garnered praise for their authentic recreations of Fleetwood Mac's iconic sound, transporting audiences back to the band's heyday. Their dedication to replicating the original band's sound and energy has earned them a loyal following and critical acclaim.

OVO Arena, Wembley

YOASOBI takes center stage at the iconic OVO Arena, Wembley, in London. Known for their unique blend of music styles and the hit songs like 'Racing into the Night' and 'Idol,' YOASOBI has captivated audiences globally. The duo, consisting of composer Ayase and vocalist Ikura, is celebrated for transforming novels into music, creating immersive and storytelling-driven performances. The OVO Arena, with a capacity of 12,500, is a landmark venue in Wembley, a district renowned for its entertainment and sporting events, including the historic Wembley Stadium. London, a vibrant city steeped in culture and music history, sets the perfect stage for YOASOBI's electrifying performance. Past performances have garnered acclaim for their dynamic stage presence and innovative use of visuals, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.

YOASOBI takes center stage at the iconic OVO Arena, Wembley, in London. Known for their unique blend of music styles and the hit songs like 'Racing into the Night' and 'Idol,' YOASOBI has captivated audiences globally. The duo, consisting of composer Ayase and vocalist Ikura, is celebrated for transforming novels into music, creating immersive and storytelling-driven performances. The OVO Arena, with a capacity of 12,500, is a landmark venue in Wembley, a district renowned for its entertainment and sporting events, including the historic Wembley Stadium. London, a vibrant city steeped in culture and music history, sets the perfect stage for YOASOBI's electrifying performance. Past performances have garnered acclaim for their dynamic stage presence and innovative use of visuals, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.

SWX

Magdalena Bay, the Los Angeles-based duo known for their innovative blend of synth-pop, will bring their captivating performance to SWX in Bristol. Known for their hits like 'Secrets (Your Fire)', 'You Lose!', and albums such as 'Mercurial World', Magdalena Bay creates a unique sonic landscape. SWX, a prominent venue in the heart of Bristol, boasts a capacity of over 1,800, offering state-of-the-art sound and lighting, enhancing the concert experience. Bristol, a vibrant city in June, is famous for its music scene and historical maritime connections, offering a rich cultural backdrop to the event. Magdalena Bay's shows are praised for their energetic stage presence and seamless integration of visual elements, ensuring a memorable night. Reviews highlight their ability to blend experimental sounds with catchy melodies, creating an immersive experience.

Magdalena Bay, the Los Angeles-based duo known for their innovative blend of synth-pop, will bring their captivating performance to SWX in Bristol. Known for their hits like 'Secrets (Your Fire)', 'You Lose!', and albums such as 'Mercurial World', Magdalena Bay creates a unique sonic landscape. SWX, a prominent venue in the heart of Bristol, boasts a capacity of over 1,800, offering state-of-the-art sound and lighting, enhancing the concert experience. Bristol, a vibrant city in June, is famous for its music scene and historical maritime connections, offering a rich cultural backdrop to the event. Magdalena Bay's shows are praised for their energetic stage presence and seamless integration of visual elements, ensuring a memorable night. Reviews highlight their ability to blend experimental sounds with catchy melodies, creating an immersive experience.

Symphony Hall

Experience Tim Minchin - Songs the World Will Never Hear, an exclusive performance at Birmingham's Symphony Hall in June. Symphony Hall, renowned for its world-class acoustics and a seating capacity of over 2,200, offers an exceptional setting for Minchin's unique blend of comedy and music. Minchin, celebrated for his wit and musical prowess showcased in works like 'Matilda the Musical' and his album 'Apart Together,' brings his untold songs to a city steeped in industrial history and vibrant cultural traditions. Known for his intelligent lyrics and captivating stage presence, Minchin's performances often draw comparisons to musical icons like Tom Lehrer. Past performances have been lauded for their insightful humor and musical complexity.

Experience Tim Minchin - Songs the World Will Never Hear, an exclusive performance at Birmingham's Symphony Hall in June. Symphony Hall, renowned for its world-class acoustics and a seating capacity of over 2,200, offers an exceptional setting for Minchin's unique blend of comedy and music. Minchin, celebrated for his wit and musical prowess showcased in works like 'Matilda the Musical' and his album 'Apart Together,' brings his untold songs to a city steeped in industrial history and vibrant cultural traditions. Known for his intelligent lyrics and captivating stage presence, Minchin's performances often draw comparisons to musical icons like Tom Lehrer. Past performances have been lauded for their insightful humor and musical complexity.

SWX

Experience Waxahatchee, the indie project spearheaded by Katie Crutchfield, live at SWX. Known for her introspective songwriting and evolution from lo-fi beginnings to polished indie rock, Crutchfield has captivated audiences with albums like "American Weekend," "Ceramic Sky" and "Saint Cloud," celebrated for its Americana influences. SWX, a prominent venue in Bristol, offers a vibrant atmosphere for live music. Bristol, a city known for its independent music scene, provides the perfect backdrop for Waxahatchee's intimate yet powerful performance. Expect a night of poignant lyrics and compelling melodies.

Experience Waxahatchee, the indie project spearheaded by Katie Crutchfield, live at SWX. Known for her introspective songwriting and evolution from lo-fi beginnings to polished indie rock, Crutchfield has captivated audiences with albums like "American Weekend," "Ceramic Sky" and "Saint Cloud," celebrated for its Americana influences. SWX, a prominent venue in Bristol, offers a vibrant atmosphere for live music. Bristol, a city known for its independent music scene, provides the perfect backdrop for Waxahatchee's intimate yet powerful performance. Expect a night of poignant lyrics and compelling melodies.

Glee Club

Danny Bowes brings 'Maximum Chat' to the Glee Club, Birmingham. Known as the voice of the British hard rock band, Thunder, Danny Bowes has captivated audiences for decades with hits like 'Dirty Love' and albums such as 'Backstreet Symphony'. The Glee Club, a premier comedy and music venue in Birmingham, offers an intimate setting for fans to connect with Bowes. Birmingham, a city steeped in musical history, provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of stories and insights from a rock icon. Expect anecdotes, Q&A, and a deep dive into the world of rock 'n' roll.

Danny Bowes brings 'Maximum Chat' to the Glee Club, Birmingham. Known as the voice of the British hard rock band, Thunder, Danny Bowes has captivated audiences for decades with hits like 'Dirty Love' and albums such as 'Backstreet Symphony'. The Glee Club, a premier comedy and music venue in Birmingham, offers an intimate setting for fans to connect with Bowes. Birmingham, a city steeped in musical history, provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of stories and insights from a rock icon. Expect anecdotes, Q&A, and a deep dive into the world of rock 'n' roll.

Exeter Phoenix

Josienne Clarke Sings Sandy Denny, an evocative tribute gracing the stage at Exeter Phoenix this June. Josienne Clarke, celebrated for her nuanced vocals and introspective songwriting, delves into the repertoire of Sandy Denny, the iconic British folk singer, famed for her work with Fairport Convention and solo hits like 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes?'. Exeter Phoenix, a vibrant arts venue in the heart of Exeter, offers an intimate setting for this performance. Exeter, a city steeped in history, provides a fitting backdrop for an evening celebrating a folk legend. Expect a reverent yet fresh interpretation of Denny's timeless songs, delivered with Clarke's signature emotional depth.

Josienne Clarke Sings Sandy Denny, an evocative tribute gracing the stage at Exeter Phoenix this June. Josienne Clarke, celebrated for her nuanced vocals and introspective songwriting, delves into the repertoire of Sandy Denny, the iconic British folk singer, famed for her work with Fairport Convention and solo hits like 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes?'. Exeter Phoenix, a vibrant arts venue in the heart of Exeter, offers an intimate setting for this performance. Exeter, a city steeped in history, provides a fitting backdrop for an evening celebrating a folk legend. Expect a reverent yet fresh interpretation of Denny's timeless songs, delivered with Clarke's signature emotional depth.

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Rebecca Ferguson: 15 Years Stripped celebrates a remarkable career. Ferguson, known for her soulful voice and emotive performances since rising to fame on The X Factor, brings her intimate show to the Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry this June. Expect to hear stripped-down versions of her hits like "Nothing's Real But Love" and "Backtrack," showcasing her vocal prowess. The Warwick Arts Centre, located on the University of Warwick campus, is a leading arts complex in the West Midlands, known for its diverse program and welcoming atmosphere. Coventry, a city steeped in history and known for its resilience, provides a fitting backdrop for an artist who has overcome challenges to achieve lasting success. Reviews of Ferguson's performances often praise her stage presence and ability to connect with audiences.

Rebecca Ferguson: 15 Years Stripped celebrates a remarkable career. Ferguson, known for her soulful voice and emotive performances since rising to fame on The X Factor, brings her intimate show to the Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry this June. Expect to hear stripped-down versions of her hits like "Nothing's Real But Love" and "Backtrack," showcasing her vocal prowess. The Warwick Arts Centre, located on the University of Warwick campus, is a leading arts complex in the West Midlands, known for its diverse program and welcoming atmosphere. Coventry, a city steeped in history and known for its resilience, provides a fitting backdrop for an artist who has overcome challenges to achieve lasting success. Reviews of Ferguson's performances often praise her stage presence and ability to connect with audiences.

Horn @ St Albans

Brigitte Calls Me Baby brings their captivating indie-pop sound to Horn @ St Albans this June. Known for their catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the band has quickly gained recognition in the indie music scene. Horn, a celebrated venue in the historic Roman city of St Albans, offers an intimate setting for live music, with a capacity that fosters a close connection between artists and fans. St Albans itself, known for its stunning cathedral and vibrant market, provides a charming backdrop for an evening of memorable music. Experience the rising stars in an up-close and personal performance.

Brigitte Calls Me Baby brings their captivating indie-pop sound to Horn @ St Albans this June. Known for their catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the band has quickly gained recognition in the indie music scene. Horn, a celebrated venue in the historic Roman city of St Albans, offers an intimate setting for live music, with a capacity that fosters a close connection between artists and fans. St Albans itself, known for its stunning cathedral and vibrant market, provides a charming backdrop for an evening of memorable music. Experience the rising stars in an up-close and personal performance.

Bristol Beacon

Experience the soulful sounds of Billy Ocean at the iconic Bristol Beacon! Known for his smooth R&B and captivating stage presence, Billy Ocean rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s with hits like "Caribbean Queen," "Suddenly," and "Love Really Hurts Without You." His album 'Suddenly' was a global success, cementing his place in music history. Bristol Beacon, a renowned venue in the heart of Bristol, provides an amazing stage for live performances. Bristol itself is a vibrant city known for its rich musical heritage and lively arts scene, making it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of music.

Experience the soulful sounds of Billy Ocean at the iconic Bristol Beacon! Known for his smooth R&B and captivating stage presence, Billy Ocean rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s with hits like "Caribbean Queen," "Suddenly," and "Love Really Hurts Without You." His album 'Suddenly' was a global success, cementing his place in music history. Bristol Beacon, a renowned venue in the heart of Bristol, provides an amazing stage for live performances. Bristol itself is a vibrant city known for its rich musical heritage and lively arts scene, making it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of music.

Cardiff Glee Club

Experience 'Danny Bowes - Maximum Chat' at the Cardiff Glee Club. Danny Bowes, known as the voice of British hard rock band Thunder, brings his engaging stories and insights to Cardiff. Thunder, renowned for albums like 'Backstreet Symphony' and hits such as 'Dirty Love,' has captivated audiences globally since the late 1980s. The Cardiff Glee Club, a popular venue in the heart of Cardiff, is known for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, making it perfect for an engaging evening with a rock icon. Cardiff, a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, provides a fitting backdrop for this event. Expect an evening filled with anecdotes, musical insights, and Bowes' signature humor.

Experience 'Danny Bowes - Maximum Chat' at the Cardiff Glee Club. Danny Bowes, known as the voice of British hard rock band Thunder, brings his engaging stories and insights to Cardiff. Thunder, renowned for albums like 'Backstreet Symphony' and hits such as 'Dirty Love,' has captivated audiences globally since the late 1980s. The Cardiff Glee Club, a popular venue in the heart of Cardiff, is known for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, making it perfect for an engaging evening with a rock icon. Cardiff, a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, provides a fitting backdrop for this event. Expect an evening filled with anecdotes, musical insights, and Bowes' signature humor.

Town Hall Birmingham

The Robert Cray Band brings their 'Out Driving Around Tour' to Birmingham's historic Town Hall. Robert Cray, a five-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer, is celebrated for hits like 'Smoking Gun' and albums such as 'Strong Persuader'. His unique blend of blues, soul, and R&B has captivated audiences for decades. Town Hall Birmingham, a Grade I listed building, boasts a rich history and stunning architecture, offering an intimate setting for live music. The city of Birmingham is known for its vibrant music scene and cultural diversity, making it a perfect backdrop for Cray's soulful performance. Expect a night of masterful guitar work and heartfelt vocals from a blues icon who continues to redefine the genre.

The Robert Cray Band brings their 'Out Driving Around Tour' to Birmingham's historic Town Hall. Robert Cray, a five-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer, is celebrated for hits like 'Smoking Gun' and albums such as 'Strong Persuader'. His unique blend of blues, soul, and R&B has captivated audiences for decades. Town Hall Birmingham, a Grade I listed building, boasts a rich history and stunning architecture, offering an intimate setting for live music. The city of Birmingham is known for its vibrant music scene and cultural diversity, making it a perfect backdrop for Cray's soulful performance. Expect a night of masterful guitar work and heartfelt vocals from a blues icon who continues to redefine the genre.

St George's Bristol

Butler, Blake & Grant bring their collaborative magic to St George's Bristol this June. St George's Bristol, renowned for its superb acoustics and intimate atmosphere, offers a capacity of around 570, providing an ideal setting for an immersive musical experience. Bristol, a city celebrated for its vibrant arts scene and maritime history, will provide a fitting backdrop for this performance. The event will celebrate an evening filled with melodic tunes from the talented trio, expect a fusion of rock, pop, and soulful melodies that promise an unforgettable experience. Each artist brings a unique flavour, ensuring a diverse and captivating performance.

Butler, Blake & Grant bring their collaborative magic to St George's Bristol this June. St George's Bristol, renowned for its superb acoustics and intimate atmosphere, offers a capacity of around 570, providing an ideal setting for an immersive musical experience. Bristol, a city celebrated for its vibrant arts scene and maritime history, will provide a fitting backdrop for this performance. The event will celebrate an evening filled with melodic tunes from the talented trio, expect a fusion of rock, pop, and soulful melodies that promise an unforgettable experience. Each artist brings a unique flavour, ensuring a diverse and captivating performance.

Horn @ St Albans

Battle of the Bands Semi-Final 2 electrifies the Horn at St Albans! The Horn, a celebrated venue in the heart of St Albans, is known for its intimate atmosphere and has hosted numerous up-and-coming bands, holding approximately 350 fans. St Albans, a historic city with Roman roots, provides a vibrant backdrop for this musical clash. Expect an unforgettable night as talented bands compete for a spot in the finals. User reviews consistently praise the Horn for its excellent sound system and energetic crowds.

Battle of the Bands Semi-Final 2 electrifies the Horn at St Albans! The Horn, a celebrated venue in the heart of St Albans, is known for its intimate atmosphere and has hosted numerous up-and-coming bands, holding approximately 350 fans. St Albans, a historic city with Roman roots, provides a vibrant backdrop for this musical clash. Expect an unforgettable night as talented bands compete for a spot in the finals. User reviews consistently praise the Horn for its excellent sound system and energetic crowds.

Hampton Court

Hampton Court Palace Festival proudly presents James, the iconic British rock band, promising an unforgettable evening. Known for their electrifying performances and timeless hits such as 'Sit Down,' 'Laid,' and 'She's a Star,' James has captivated audiences for over four decades. Fronted by the charismatic Tim Booth, the band's dynamic stage presence and genre-blending sound have solidified their place in music history. Hampton Court Palace, with its stunning Tudor architecture and rich history, provides a majestic backdrop for this musical event. Located in the vibrant city of London, the palace grounds offer a unique open-air concert experience. Past Hampton Court Palace Festivals have garnered rave reviews for their seamless organization and unforgettable atmosphere, blending historic charm with contemporary entertainment.

Hampton Court Palace Festival proudly presents James, the iconic British rock band, promising an unforgettable evening. Known for their electrifying performances and timeless hits such as 'Sit Down,' 'Laid,' and 'She's a Star,' James has captivated audiences for over four decades. Fronted by the charismatic Tim Booth, the band's dynamic stage presence and genre-blending sound have solidified their place in music history. Hampton Court Palace, with its stunning Tudor architecture and rich history, provides a majestic backdrop for this musical event. Located in the vibrant city of London, the palace grounds offer a unique open-air concert experience. Past Hampton Court Palace Festivals have garnered rave reviews for their seamless organization and unforgettable atmosphere, blending historic charm with contemporary entertainment.

Thekla

Sam Kelly, known for his captivating performances and unique blend of folk traditions, will grace the stage at Thekla. His notable works resonate with audiences across the UK. Thekla, a unique venue in Bristol, offers an intimate setting for music lovers. Bristol, a city brimming with maritime history and vibrant culture, provides the perfect backdrop for this musical event. Expect an evening filled with soulful tunes and engaging storytelling, reflecting past performances and positive user reviews.

Sam Kelly, known for his captivating performances and unique blend of folk traditions, will grace the stage at Thekla. His notable works resonate with audiences across the UK. Thekla, a unique venue in Bristol, offers an intimate setting for music lovers. Bristol, a city brimming with maritime history and vibrant culture, provides the perfect backdrop for this musical event. Expect an evening filled with soulful tunes and engaging storytelling, reflecting past performances and positive user reviews.

The Craufurd Arms

Betty Boo is set to electrify Milton Keynes at The Craufurd Arms. Known for her infectious blend of pop, hip-hop, and playful lyrics, Betty Boo burst onto the scene in the late '80s and early '90s with hits like "Doin' the Do" and "Where Are You Baby?". The Craufurd Arms, a well-known live music venue in Milton Keynes, offers an intimate setting for fans to experience her energetic performance. Milton Keynes, a town famous for its concrete cows and innovative city design, anticipates a lively night of nostalgia and contemporary beats as Betty Boo revisits some of her classic tracks. Expect a vibrant performance filled with classic hits and a few surprises.

Betty Boo is set to electrify Milton Keynes at The Craufurd Arms. Known for her infectious blend of pop, hip-hop, and playful lyrics, Betty Boo burst onto the scene in the late '80s and early '90s with hits like "Doin' the Do" and "Where Are You Baby?". The Craufurd Arms, a well-known live music venue in Milton Keynes, offers an intimate setting for fans to experience her energetic performance. Milton Keynes, a town famous for its concrete cows and innovative city design, anticipates a lively night of nostalgia and contemporary beats as Betty Boo revisits some of her classic tracks. Expect a vibrant performance filled with classic hits and a few surprises.