COOL AS LEICESTER

INTERVIEW: Leicestershire Cares launches new open mic night for young people

For young people interested in music, don’t miss a brand new open mic session launching that is aimed at those aged 14 – 25. Based at 2Funky Music Cafe and organised by LeicstershireMusic, we caught up with them to find out more about it as well as their other projects.

How would you introduce the new open mic night that you are launching?

This is an open mic night with a difference. It’s an open mic event, for young people, by young people. Over the last couple of months, I have established a youth voice group that meets regularly to discuss what they want from a music provider in Leicester and Leicestershire. One of the requests was a chance to perform and share music without the pressure of a huge audience. So that is what we have created. It is a chance for young people to step into a safe space and share their creativity, which everyone has, and to be supported and celebrated without judgement.

What makes it different to other open-mic events?

Fundamentally, the intended difference is that this is truly inclusive, across-the-arts open mic. It’s not solely for musicians. We welcome poets, dancers, artists, and fashion designers. A range of creativity all in one place. I believe that music plays a part in almost every aspect of life, so to bring that together, and share our creativity, through music or other means, is a great opportunity for learning and growing. We are also championing young creatives from the age of 14 -25. We are promoting inclusivity, diversity and equality, and as such will be hosting an alcohol-free event, to ensure that everyone who is attending feels safe and can be fully present.

What type of artists can get involved? (skill level, age, genre etc?)

As mentioned, I would love to welcome a wide range of artist, and collaborators, from instrumentalists to signers, DJ’s, MCs, dancers, poets, artists who have recorded their music but may feel they don’t wish to perform, we would love to hear your music and celebrate your achievements, artists. If it’s creative, we want to include it. You don’t have to be at a high standard, absolutely not. Your attendance is what’s important. We are also offering support before the 25^th of April, so if you feel you would like to work with other creatives, then we have 2 sessions, hosted at Soft Touch Arts, New Walk, Leicester. I know how it feels to question yourself, but I promise you, the culture we are creating is one of acceptance and celebration. Not judgment and shame.

What made you choose 2Funky Lounge as the venue?

I have been seeing and hearing good things about the work that 2funky is doing, and I wanted to tap into that. I know that they support local artists too, and it is great to work closely with the team there. The professional environment, with the stage, the lightning and the sound engineers all help to create this experience for the young people that I know will be so positive and will inspire other young people to give it a go. It’s about providing an opportunity that is more than usual. Offering a bit extra, you know?!

Tell us a little more about Leicestershire Music?

Well, Leicestershire Music is celebrating its 75^th year of music education this year. We are based at County Hall and offer a wide range of musical tuition throughout Leicester and Leicestershire. Many of our lessons take place in schools and colleges, and I’m confident that many of the readers will know someone who has been involved with LM at some point. The instrumental lessons in schools include- the ukulele, djembe, steel pans, violin, brass, singing, guitar, drums and recorder, turntablism and more. We also have orchestras and ensembles that meet on Saturday mornings, in the city centre, and they are always looking for new players.

Do you have any other events coming up that people can get involved in?

We certainly do. On March 27, 28 and 29^th, we will be celebrating music at De Montfort Hall as part of our annual music concerts. These concerts have been a mainstay in the LM calendar for many years, but the concerts have evolved in recent years, and they now have a real festival experience feel for the children who attend during the day, but still have the traditional values during our open evening concerts. These events are a great chance to see what is happening with the children and for many, it’s the first time seeing anything on the scale of the DeMontfort Hall stage and they have the best time. 

Where can people find out more?

We have a website that people can visit, this has information about all upcoming events, as well as information about; instrumental hires, free resources, our EDI goals, videos that showcase the fantastic talent, and a whole host more:

https://leicestershiremusichub.org/

for more information about the 2Funky Open Mic event on April 25^th, please email:

[email protected]

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