A programme of concerts in Swanage, aiming to raise a smile as well as money for charity, are hoping to hit the right note this summer.
Going under the banner of MUSIC – that’s ‘music unlimited for Swanage independent charities’, the organiser, well known local musician Andrew Cannon has brought together a group of his musical friends for a number of free concerts at Swanage Bandstand and Newton Manor Hall in Swanage.
Andrew Cannon, organiser for the MUSIC collective
“Had the idea for some time”
Andrew said:
“I’ve had the idea for some time to use a ‘brand’ which the public could recognise and learn to trust. I came up with M.U.S.I.C. a couple of years ago but things were tight with the Covid restrictions.”
Born in Watford, with a lifetime in business as a salesman and running his own company, Andrew moved permanently to Swanage in 2010, where he has been able to pursue his passion of music.
The MUSIC collective’s repertoire spans easy listening, jazz, swing, pop, folk, rock ‘n’ roll and country.
Swanage Jazz Machine
Jurassic Rock ‘n’ Roll
“Take things into our own hands”
Andrew said:
“We’re a group of friends who play different instruments and play in different styles.
“There are so few venues around these days we decided to take things into our own hands and organise our own events.”
The collective
Andrew plays piano and guitar and also sings. Joining him in this eclectic collective are Bob Stevens, guitar and vocals, Bruce Evans on piano and bass, John Bentham, guitar and vocals, Keith Lockett, guitar and vocals, Russ Mills on drums and vocals, together with singers Stevie Geogeghan and Sara Harris.
Swing Easy
Series of concerts
Their first concert was in October 2021 and events have raised between £150 and £200 each. They aim to collect as much money as possible for local and regional charities.
A series of concerts runs throughout the summer at Newton Manor Hall or at the Swanage Bandstand, with a special event in aid of Ukraine at the Swanage British Legion Club on Saturday July 3rd 2022 from 5 pm.
The bandstand series is over the Platinum Jubilee weekend from Friday 3rd June to Sunday 6th June 2022, 12 noon to 6 pm, weather permitting.
Andrew is also hoping to add additional events at Swanage Bandstand during the summer.
Concerts will be held at the Swanage Bandstand over the Jubilee weekend
Newton Manor Hall
The next of the Newton Manor Hall concerts will be on Tuesday 7th May 2022 from 1 pm to 5 pm, courtesy of the owner Alan May who wants to use the dining hall of his historic converted stables for charitable events.
Tea and coffee, usually with cookies, are provided free of charge at the events and anyone who wishes to attend is welcome to just turn up – no booking required.
The concerts at Newton Manor Hall, 170 High Street, Swanage are on:
- Tuesday 17th May 2022, 1 pm to 5 pm
- Tuesday 14th June 2022, 1 pm to 5 pm
- Wednesday 20th July 2022, 1 pm to 5 pm
- Tuesday 9th August 2022, 1 pm to 5 pm
Alan May in the grand dining room at Newton Manor Hall
