NORTHUMBRIAN MUSIC
NIGHTS
What we're saying about
AdderStone
Making Money Work 3X in the Community
Those 'clivvor folk' at Northumbrian Music Nights have found a way to re-cycle money from the European Union around and around and around again in their community.
Recognising that their LEADER grant is really money invested in the North Pennines region, the group understand that the music they promote must be provided at various venues all around the 'Dale.
So when Folkworks advertised the 'Piping Hot' roadshow, with Kathryn Tickell and other top entertainers, including some excellent peer models, for presentation in the region's middle and high schools, the NMN group saw an opportunity to fill a small funding gap. And now the roadshow is booked for Allendale Middle School's students for Thursday July 1, when an exciting live day-time performance of the best of contemporary music is sure to inform and motivate Allendale's children.
But the roadshow has to be paid for, somehow, if live popular music presentations are to be self-sustaining in Allendale, and so to cover their expenses, NMN decided to combine the music promotions that the group does best, with an added bonus for the area's children. Fortunately, one of Northumberland's best traditional music bands, Ushna, has re-formed with the addition of Northumbrian pipes, as AdderStone, and were available to play on a very special date.
Together with Sean Barry's brilliant virtuosity on Celtic Harp, Jackie Barry's thrilling vocal renditions of the classic songs of Northumberland, Tony Wilson's unique brand of Geordie humour, and Richard Johstone, who has played Northumbrian pipes at London's Royal Albert Hall, the band will be performing at Allendale's Village Hall on Saturday evening, May 22nd.
All accompanied children will be admitted free, and all students at Allendale Middle School have been issued with free tickets. Information about tickets can be obtained from the promoters, Northumbrian Music Nights at (01434) 685047.
Timeless Northumbrian songs like 'Bonny at Morn', or the haunting lament of 'Felton Lonnen' with the aching lyrics 'The kye come home but I see not me hinnie', the classic 'Water of Tyne', or the cheeky 'Elsie Marley' and 'Buy Broom Besoms' are all part of AdderStone's repertoire, delivered with brilliant professionalism by one of Northumberland's most highly acclaimed bands.
What a good opportunity to relax together after the big game, whatever the outcome!
But there was still another way to keep the money cycling around. Since 'transnational cooperation' is the buzz-word in EU funding these days, it seemed like a good idea for NMN to make contacts with other European groups that promote music for the benefit of their communities.
In what is hoped to be the beginning of a serious learning and sharing experience for both partners, the NMN group with Alston's LEADER office is hosting its partner group from Calabria, Italy, on an exploratory visit, over the weekend of May 21, 22 and 23. The Calabrian group likes to promote their own version of bagpipes, and so the AdderStone concert on Saturday evening is a great chance to show the visitors what Northumbrian pipes, and our cultural heritage, mean to us. Of course, it could also be a good opportunity to watch the FA Cup final together on Saturday afternoon, since all Italy is known to be football mad too.
Funny thing, when money is recycled in the community, it never loses its value!
