Penny joined the new community singing group at More Music this June.

The Seagull Café is a weekly community singing group and part of an arts and health project at More Music, funded by Spirit of 2012.

The sessions involve socialising, tea and scones, singing songs old and new, led by two wonderful musicians from More Music. Bill (on piano) and Sian (on the accordion) provide the live music and friendly informal guidance through songs including The Everly Brothers, Abba, Fats Domino and Ray Charles, as well as some more traditional 40’s and folk (drinking!) songs.

Inspired by the live music in the sessions, Penny enjoyed reacquainting herself with playing around on the piano, asked to play on a set of drums and now accompanies each session with a snare drum and sticks at her side.

New friends have been made at the Seagull Cafe and as Penny says “there are lots of smiling faces, pleased to see each other each week, saying ‘Hello Friend’.”

Being involved in singing and playing music again, Penny fancied trying one of the gigs coming up at More Music. This was the from the band ‘Yama Warashi’ a Bristol based Japanese art rock ensemble. Penny was so motivated by the music, percussion and stories of the songs, that she began sketching and doodling in her small notebook. “I was so inspired, I started to draw.”

“I love the group and the lead singer, the stories of the songs were so creative, like the one about the Moon who gets annoyed by the smoke from the chimneys! I am inspired, I want to be a percussionist after seeing this gig.” Penny joined lead singer Yoshino Shigihara, on stage after the gig, for a fan photo, which featured on the band’s Instagram.

Joining in with singing and music, is easier than you think, the group is fun and informal. As part of and arts and health pilot project, we are exploring just how, singing and enjoying music together, can help all of our health and happiness.

The sessions start up again on Tuesday 17 September at More Music, off Parliament St/Rd, 2pm – 4pm, free to attend, donations welcome. Call 01524 831997 or email anna.daly@moremusic.org.uk for more information.

With thanks to Spirit of 2012