Front Row - 11/01/2008

Kirsty Lang discusses City of Vice with historian Lucy Moore and crime writer Dreda Say Mitchell. The novelist Sherman Alexie has been described as the finest chronicler of contemporary Native American experience. Brought up on a reservation outside of Washington, Alexie is the author of numerous books, short stories, poems and screenplays, all of which shed light on Native American life today. Kirsty Lang speaks to Sherman Alexie about his latest book, Flight, which tells the story of a young Native American boy on the verge of committing a mass shooting. After the government formally backed proposals to build a new generation of nuclear power plants, Stephen Armstrong and Kirsty Lang ponder on Mr Burns and other cultural references relating to atomic power. We take a look through film and tv history and discuss the influence that nuclear energy might have on pop music. You're never too old to Rock and Roll...If you have always dreamed of being a rock star and performing at your own live gig - well now’s there's a chance to make your Rock Dreams come true by becoming a Weekend Warrior…...The idea behind the Weekend Warriors scheme, is to give lapsed musicians the once in a lifetime opportunity to re-join a band and relive their musical youth - and to this end, they provide equipment, rehearsal space, and a mentor to give advice and support. Last week, comedian Danny Robins joined 'Fourth Chord' - one of the Weekend Warriors bands - during their rehearsals. In part two, Danny catches up with the nervous band members on the night of their big gig! With the opening ceremony of Liverpool's Year of European Capital of Culture - The People's Opening - beginning less than half an hour after Front Row ends, Kirsty Lang talks to Phil Redmond, who - as Deputy Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company - has been heavily involved in organising the year's events.