Guest Blog by Laura Bell
Talented budding guitarists and vocalists wowed audiences at a special Huckleberry Grove Music showcase event.
Young musicians and adults took to the stage on Saturday, some performing for the very first time in public, in front of a standing room only crowd at The Warehouse Arts Centre.
Strumming to everything from the Beatles and Nirvana to Taylor Swift and Pink the musicians showed off their skills, even those with only a few months of lessons behind them.
Nine-year-old Josh, who performed the Beatle’s ‘Paperback Writer’, Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’ and ‘Sit Down’ by James, said:
“The show was really good. I was really nervous, but I really enjoyed it. Dave is so patient and he really encouraged me to learn the songs and gave me the confidence to perform on stage.”
The showcase, which included a red carpet for performers, is the second of its kind from Huckleberry Grove Music which offers guitar and vocal lessons at The Shakespeare Centre.
Founder Dave Crompton, who fronts cover band ‘The Coast’ and has played guitar for over 30 years, said:
“I set up Huckleberry Grove 18 months ago to inspire people of all ages to discover their sound, courage and joy through music. So, I’m so proud of how the students absolutely smashed it.
“You’d never have known it was their first time in front of an audience for some of them. They were nervous, they kept going and they played with real confidence. That’s what it’s all about, progress over perfection and the supportive audience created an awesome atmosphere.”
Student Daisy Halfpenny sang while playing Green Day’s ‘Basket Case’ and Jake Johnson sang a vocal solo of ‘Corner of the sky’ from Broadway’s Pippin.
Dave said:
“It all started with fun and engaging lessons for students of all ages and abilities so they can learn at their own pace, explore their favourite music and build the confidence to play with passion.
“Our first showcase was just in a small room at the Shakespeare Centre, now we’re performing to a packed-out audience at a real music venue, so who know where we’ll be next time but we’re going to make it even bigger and better.”
You can see more photos from the event on Facebook or find out more at: Huckleberry Grove Music School – Music is for Everyone
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