Variety is the Spice of Life

Learning

I got to go to an amazing workshop by guitarist Aziz Ibrahim who has played with The Stone Roses, Ian Brown and Paul Weller to name just a few. He talked about some of his experiences in the music industry and gave advice on pursuing music. I took a lot away from his talk, not only on practical ways to pursue music as a career but also about just enjoying music, being true to yourself and not judging others. Huge amount of food for thought. Then got to experience Aziz performing with tabla player Dalbir Singh Rattin - AMAZING. Dal also talked about  playing the tabla and learning from his mentor which was fascinating. Aziz gives these talks just because he wants to pass on his wisdom and experiences and I think that's fantastic.

Aziz Ibrahim and Dalbir Singh Rattin

Work 

I've have been doing a little bit of work with Candy House Entertainment which has been fun. One thing I got to do was dress up as an old fashioned beach babe and make mischief. 

Actress Olivia Rose and myself were partners in crime for the day

I have been doing the occasional cover shift at some indoor market shops in town for Gareth's dad - such as The Cosmetics People and The Wig People. This has been a fun change and great to have some flexible opportunities as other self-employed people will understand!

Creative Friends 

I am good friends with actress Janelle Thompson and got to see her in the eXcel Agency showcase. Janelle is such a fantastic inspiring performer it was great to see her doing her thing and also to get to see lots of other northern talent. 

In one of my posts back in November I mentioned seeing my friend Kirstie in a performance. Well in September I got to see her in a performance of Hairspray by Halifax Amateur Operatic Society. Kirstie and myself have a love affair with Hairspray since the 2007 film version came out and we loved it so much we went to see it a second time at the cinema on the day we got our college results. So it has a fond place in our hearts and it was a fantastic production and so great to see Kirstie be a part of it. Great production value, great cast and of course great songs.

I love supporting Gareth in his work as much as I can, and love it when I get to see him performing (it's even better when we get to work together!). I got to see him performing in The Little Red Hen a few more times in 2014, in a few different locations, which was great, and also got a sneak peek at the set for Flying The Nest by Handmade Theatre which he is involved with.