A bit of a breather, a quick regroup, then back into the race!
It is, I know, a drop in the ocean when compared to the magnitude of the world-canvas, but when the lens is brought down onto our area of York, and Tang Hall SMART comes into focus - well we have been in huge upheaval and change over the last few weeks, and finally, for a few days we are going to come to a halt. (But not for long!)
Anyone familiar with Burnholme/Tang Hall will be aware that The Centre @Burnholme has now opened up, run by York Explore, with a rather splendid cafe, several businesses and organisations including us in our new suite of rooms .... we moved in (with thanks to YorkGoodGym,) and starting work again on the 25th June, and since then, have completed our usual termly delivery, and have signed off with our annual summer concert on 7th July. This time it was held in the newly renovated assembly hall, and although it clashed with a certain football fixture, never-the-less there was a good turnout, an estimated 150 throughout the event, and was, as usual, great fun to do! . (Check out this photo gallery from The Press who, kindly covered it twice!). This was a great event, with a delicious free tea (courtesy of Sewell who built The Centre), some amazing performances, and a rare outing for our record label bands *D.Ni.L, and * Wasabi Fire Alarm (see below for record label round-up).
Well what's next? To start with ... a few days where all staff are having a bit of a much-needed break, (returning on Monday 23rd July) before we come back, all fired up again for 2 weeks of summer rock schools! It will be our third year of running summer schools for young people who have.learning disabilities - and this year its a bit of a first in that we are extending our age range to include children from 8 and upwards! We are really looking forward to meeting some new faces, and of course welcoming back those who we now know so well! (These are now fully booked but we have a waiting list in case anyone drops out).
Then .... for the summer holiday period .... there will be:
* Summer Jazz Cafe on 25th July - to start with a free one-off event of chilled out music in the cafe area, 1-2pm, featuring my good self on sax and a bit of vocals, Neil on keys, and John on main vocals (we hope to make this a regular fortnightly event but with other musicians demonstrating their skills)
* A new free drama course run by Tom Nightingale called "Give It A Go Joe" - with a free pilot on Monday the 20th August 1.30 - 3 pm. Tuesday 1.30 - 3 pm and Friday the 24th of August 1.30 - 3 pm
* A Teens rock workshop (details tbc)
* A weekly 'meet Tang Hall SMART' event where basically, I am going to sit myself down in the cafe for an hour each week, intending to chat to anyone who is around .... I will have details of everything we are thinking of offering to the community (some paid and some free) for the autumn, will be eager to listen to any requests/suggestions about our delivery...details tbc.
* A joint venture with Unltd whereby, I run a free weekly 'business-ideas-surgery'. We are still working on that one, but details will follow when I know more. The basic plan is for me to offer a listening ear, encouragement, possibly a bit of advice/guidance, for those who have an idea about something they might like to run/set-up - whether as a one-off event, a regular club/activity, a business - or something else!
Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year - have a great summer ... and as for September which right now seems a distant spec on the horizon. we are looking forward to working with you all again as we enter our 5th year!
In the meantime, if you are missing us, why not check out some of our acts? There is Jonny The Wolf whose new video single has just been released - D.Ni.L, whose third album Boy.Inside, has just been released to great critical acclaim, and Wasabi Fire Alarm, whose debut album is available to buy via the official website.
