The Voices of the Margins Smashing into the Mainstream: The York Press
THE Tang Hall SMART Community Interest Company will take over The Duchess in York on April 7 to showcase the sounds of the underground in a concert entitled The Voices of the Margins Smashing into the Mainstream.
Founder and managing director Sue Williamson explains the concept behind the event organised by the music-based social enterprise, which operates from the Burnholme Community Hub.
"It features performances by musicians at our Musication and SoundSMART courses," she says. "Musication comprises people who are disadvantaged in some way, through, for example, homelessness, mental-health difficulties, long-term unemployment etc
"We've been running this course for a year now, taking referrals from mental health, homeless and probation services, and we've seen some amazing talent emerge that deserves to be seen and heard more widely. Often the participants on this course have been marginalised in some way or other and aren’t part of the day-to-day events and experiences that most people take for granted."
SoundSMART is the social enterprise's music course for adults with learning disabilities. "There are some great rappers who are part of this course, who featured on our popular YouTube hit, Hip Hop Shake Up, and they will be performing live," says Sue.
"Their rapping is really interesting, really edgy, and it's not a sight that is seen often, guys with learning disabilities getting up on the stage and being absolutely passionate about their music. Others should see this."
The night will be a benefit gig in aid of St Leonard's Hospice and also will feature performances by The Bramble Napskins, a York folk/jazz dance band, and The Collective, a hard-hitting rap fusion combo with guests from the Musication group, and much more besides.
"This event is a triumph of music over adversity and a sign of the growing popularity of community music," says Sue. Tickets cost £5 on the night or from the Tang Hall SMART Community Interest Company. Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.15pm start.
