SOUNDS OF SUPPORT
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS TRANSFERED TO PURE, PARK LANE SUNDERLAND
A showcase the musical talents of local community groups and up-and-coming bands at Sunderland Minster this month, in a bid to raise awareness and funding for youth and adult outreach programmes.
Adrian Woodland, who is in his third year studying BA Community Music at the University of Sunderland created ‘The Projects’ as part of his final year assessment. The day-long event, which takes place on Saturday 11th May, follows on from a series of music workshops Adrian delivered, also as part of his degree, in partnership with The Bunker and the North East Council on Addictions (NECA).
The ‘Sounds Change’ workshops saw attendees with drug and alcohol problems benefit from using music as a means to improve their self-confidence and social skills. As a result of the workshops’ success, participants will perform for the first time outside of the sessions as ‘The Dead Dogs’ at Sunderland Minster.
Adrian, 41, from Fulwell, said: “The workshops were due to run for just 10 weeks, but it was clear during the very early sessions that the group was benefiting from participatory music activity. As the members’ confidence grew, they suggested ideas to raise money for Sounds Change to continue once funding expired. The group was extremely keen to perform, which in itself was evidence of the progression we had made.
“It therefore seemed that the performance project, my second major module, would provide the perfect platform for The Dead Dogs to play publicly as well as demonstrate my practice as performer and facilitator – while raising awareness of the importance youth and adult outreach programmes have on our local communities.”
Split into two sessions, The Projects will see Adrian perform with his own band, The Good Child during the evening alongside emerging local acts including The White Elephant Band, Built Like a Gun and some surprise special guests.
Adrian added: “The Projects is a two-part event which will not only showcase The Dead Dogs’ first ever gig, but feature young musicians from The Bunker’s ‘Sunday Club’ and my fellow BA Community Music degree students, who study at The Sage Gateshead. The afternoon session will also see presentations from key community music practitioners and charities from across the region in order to raise awareness of the work we do.”
The afternoon session of The Projects (2pm – 5pm) is free but ticketed, while evening session (7pm -11pm) tickets are £5.00. Tickets are available now from Hot Rats on Stockton Road in Sunderland and online at www.thesagegateshead.org. All profits will go towards continuing the Sounds Change workshops.
Adrian finished: “I would encourage anyone who has been affected by mental health issues or addiction problems to come along. These are often difficult subjects to discuss and understand, so the event is a perfect opportunity to share the positive effects music can have on health and wellbeing in a beautiful venue.”
The Projects is supported by Independent, Juniper’s Pantry, The Bunker, Hot Rats and Sunderland Minster.