Creative Together’s ‘Owt on Stage’

Last Thursday, Creative Together held their first ever ‘Owt on Stage’ event, an inclusive and safe space for people to perform with passion. Attendees had the opportunity to perform at the iconic Band on the Wall, a historic live music venue in the Northern Quarter.

The event was held with Key Changes, who provide positive mental health support through music. From 1-3pm, we saw ten acts take to the stage for a variety of music, poetry and spoken word to inspire and entertain us.

“We met Key Changes at an event, and they needed a soundproof room to record their music,” explained Zoe Garner, Centre Coordinator. “Luckily we have one at the centre, so we formed a connection there and came up with the idea to host an event together. They take their music seriously, and we love performing at Creative Together so it was the perfect collab!”

Psychosis 0161

First up was Psychosis 0161, a local rapper who works with Key Changes. When explaining what he loves about performing, he said: “It’s the buzz from being able to express yourself through your music, and fight your battles.”

Edward, a member of Creative Together, performed a wonderful cover of The Beatles’ “In My Life.” Edward explained that the lyrics remind him of his childhood and his friends and family.

Next up was Byron from Harpurhey, who performed two songs. While introducing his first song, Byron explained that his music is about relationships, including with people you love and you lose, and the memories and emotions you hold on to. Byron ended with some of his poetry: “Adventures of a time withdrawn; Memories of a time more sure; Days of youth; Happy golden days where we knew the truth.”

Byron

Creative Together’s own Lauren Norton took to the stage afterwards to perform two ethereally beautiful tracks, one from a video game and one by Tool. Lauren told us this was the first time she has performed for an audience in many years – thank you for sharing your wonderful voice with us!

Next, another performer from Key Changes: Mc Shallar treated us to some “spoken word to beats”, starting with his rhythmically smooth and catchy ‘Concrete Wall’. “I always look forward to performing to share what we’re going through, especially when going through mental health. It’s a safe place to come and express yourself,” he said.

: MC Shallar

: Lauren Norton

Tyler, a volunteer at Creative Together, shared his poetry about how much he values spending time at the centre, and how this has supported him on his mental health journey. “I planted the seed and they helped it to grow, their empathy glows. Picking up the phone a listening ear is always there to share the load I have to bare. I want to say one thing to Creative Together: Thank you, for making living my endeavour.”

To round off the afternoon, we enjoyed more singing, poetry and spoken word from our talented participants. Wayne on the guitar had some divisive numbers, namely a Christmas singalong (in November!) and ‘Glory Glory Man United’ – you know how to rile up a crowd Wayne! To keep the positive vibes going, Psychosis 0161 jumped back on the mic to perform an inspirationally upbeat number to Five’s ‘Get on Up’ – what a great way to end the day!

Thank you to everyone who performed, who came to be a supporter, and those who did both. It was a great first event and we hope to see you at the next very soon.