An online artistic programme to reduce isolation and loneliness, alleviate fear, stress and boredom, and build community networks in Pembrokeshire.
This programme had its roots in Span Digidol, enabling us to respond quickly to the COVID crisis.
Molara is an inspirational singer, songwriter, teacher and performer, whose maternal grandfather was a founder member of the George Formby society, and whose father’s cousin was Fela Kuti. After a degree in drama and French literature, Molara went on to become an original member of dub dance pioneers Zion Train. She subsequently sang and recorded with a wide range of bands and artists which include Mad Professor, Femi Kuti, The Ruts DC and Baka Beyond.She is a musicologist and founded One Voice Choir in 2005 to celebrate her love of international singing techniques, and was one of the founders of The Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival in 2008. She is a trustee of the Natural Voice Network.She has delivered educational provision of music and the arts to people aged 0 to 106, of differing abilities and backgrounds since 1992, and has worked for Span Arts, National Theatre of Wales, Arts Council of Wales and Ruskin Mill Trust.She is a passionate advocate of human rights and has worked with Race Council Cymru, the Welsh government’s Race Equality Action Plan, and in promoting Seni’s Law following the death of her cousin at the hands of the police.
“At age 12 I ad-libbed in a school operetta and got a laugh. As a trumpeter I have always loved the stage but never minded not earning much. I cut my teeth as a stage manager at Glastonbury. It’s not about the money, it’s the smell of the grease paint and the roar of the crowd. All aspects of running a show are rewarding, be it cloakroom, box office steward and all the other cogs that turn to put on a show. lt’s grrrreat!”
SPAN’s creative technology club for children aged 8-16. SPAN trialled a monthly creative technology youth club from February 2019 to April 2020 encouraging young people to “get stuck in” to creative technology guided by artists and experts. Sessions included stop-frame animation, app-making for beginners, an introduction to robotics, Raspberry Pi computers and simple programming, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Digital Mapping, electronic music making and vocal looping—and more! All were well attended with excellent feedback showing a desire for more. ‘I liked everything…the right amount of challenge.’ ‘Very entertaining and easy to follow’
Streamed live on 30th October 2020. Formed in 1987 by its Music Director Carol Pemberton MBE, Black Voices has gained a reputation as Europe’s finest female a cappella quintet. For over 25 years the ensemble has captivated global audiences with their singing and performances in the black oral tradition – an early music form that is based on the ancient folklores and story telling of Africa and the Diaspora and which has impacted on the development of classical and more recent music genres such as blues and jazz. Drawing inspiration from that rich tradition, Black Voices has developed a unique repertoire and arrangement of spirituals, traditional African, Caribbean and English folk songs, jazz, gospel, pop and reggae as well as a fusion of contemporary and classical styles that has earned them world wide recognition as a performance and teaching company. Black Voices is honoured to have been invited to perform before members of the British Royal Family both in the UK and overseas. In 1998, the ensemble performed at an open air concert for Pope John Paul 11 in Loreto, Italy and in 1996 they appeared before former President Nelson Mandela at the Two Nations Concert, Royal Albert Hall. Traveling
After the success of Under Milk Wood, Theatr Soffa is preparing now for its next production, telling lockdown stories and weaving them into an online performance. Join us! Everyone welcome.
The Map records nature, science, art, history and poetry. Points have been placed by people young and old and in between, with their memories, knowledge, and ideas. You can add some too.
Beatbox, innovative Live Looping, Electric Kalimba, Folk Violin, Jazz Organ, Blues Guitar and Spoken Word. Bilingual beatboxer Mr Phormula with poet and lyricist Martin Dawes pioneer a new fusion of music that explores traditional and modern processes. On Saturday 12th September Bardd performed an exclusive live stream gig, bringing a night from the bardic roots of Wales to a freedom funk disco! Supporting the band was 22 year old singer songwriter Eädyth. The singer and instrumentalist, from Merthyr Tydfil, has been releasing records in both languages over the past four years. It was a night of Beatbox, innovative Live Looping, Electric Kalimba, Folk Violin, Jazz Organ, Blues Guitar and Spoken Word Poetry, alongside danceable beats. Bardd are Award Winning Spoken Word Artist Martin Daws (Young People’s Laureate Wales 2013-16), legendary Emcee, Beatbox and Live Looper Mr Phormula (Double Wales Beatbox Champion) and outstanding multi-instrumentalist Henry Horrell (Guitars/Keys/Violin). Bardd state their aim as “bringing all that we are together into one beautiful groove”
On the 13th June SPAN joined forces with The Baghdaddies for an exclusive pre-recorded gig. Along with the specially recorded tracks for SPAN, the band joined us on the chat to keep the spirits high and have a natter with the audience. SPAN knew that everyone was missing the dance floor, so they decided to bring it to the people of Pembrokeshire and beyond with this exuberant and rampant band! The exhilarating cocktail of Balkan melodies, ska and latin grooves and sizzling brass played with furious energy and theatrical humour definitely got peoples toes tapping! One of SPAN’s top priorities has been to support artists and musicians, especially during lockdown, whilst continuing to bring music of the highest caliber. In order to continue to stick to their aims, the gig was fundraiser for the organisation so they could continue to do what they do! If you like what you see and want to help support the arts in Pembrokeshire SPAN would be hugely grateful for any contributions that you can afford. Donate here
SPAN Arts Ltd, Town Moor, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 7AG
info@span-arts.org.uk
+44 (0) 1834 869323
Charity no: 1088723
Company no: 04150772
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