Music Smile is a totally voluntary, totally free new night of music jams at The Crescent pub, where everyone with an instrument is invited to join in a variety of well known covers ranging from indie rock, to folk, soul and beyond.
In the comfy surrounds of The Crescent, one of the first Music Smile nights sees people with guitars strumming out a bit of Bob Dylan...
"It's bridging the gap between music and open mic nights for professionals and things for beginners" explains Karen Morris, who plays guitar, flute, sax and ukulele "There's nothing really in the middle, so it's creating that opportunity. Some people just want to play music; they don't want to be a rock star or whatever. This is about openness
"I label it as community wellbeing and creativity" she adds "And it's for people who may have problems as well. There are a lot of projects in the daytime specifically aimed at people with disabilities, unemployed or whatever, but doing it in the evening opens it up for more people. It doesn't have to be therapy; it's just that the process of getting together and playing tackles a lot of problems such as isolation."
Danny, who likes music including Dylan, The Beatles and Beach Boys, has come to Music Smile for the first time tonight... "I stay in a lot so it's nice to get out and socialise with people who share the same interests" he says "I've only been here twenty minutes and I'm already part of the furniture..."
Barry Seddon, who likes folk music, from Woody Guthrie to Ewan MacColl, started playing guitar in 1965... "I played for many, many, years but then health and family commitments took me away from the guitar" he explains "For 15 years it gathered dust until a year ago. I enjoy this night; it's music, who wouldn't?"
People are here from all walks of life and from all ages, united by a love for playing music. The group now even has a song book with chords and words...
"It's for absolutely everyone" says Karen "...and it should be for everyone because it brings the community together. With everything that's happening in the news, community is even more important, young and old and different backgrounds. So this is a jam night for everyone to get together.
"Most people play guitar but it can be any instrument" she adds "We just play songs together, chat and have a drink..."
Music Smile
Every Monday 7pm free
The Crescent pub
Chapel Street
Just turn up and bring your instrument
For more details see the Music Smile website click here
Or the Music Smile Facebook page click here
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