While listening to one of their colleagues rapping earlier this year, Lottie Harrison and Tony Caw, English language teachers working in Shanghai, suddenly realized their group of friends was blessed with a wealth of musical talent.
From this gathering evolved MusicMatters, a group of talented musicians whose aim is to bring live music to their community through organized concert events.
The group has uncovered a diverse range of talented expat musicians, who play jazz, country, rock and hip-hop.
Most of the musicians are English language teachers and there have been four MusicMatters events since the start of the year.
Unlike many concerts in Shanghai, when MusicMatters throw a party, any music style or genre is welcome.
Rappers and DJs play at the same gig as accomplished jazz saxophonists, giving audiences a broad range of music to enjoy.
"We are a bit different in that, the music our musicians play does not revolve around one particular genre. We try to give the audience a wide variety of styles," says Harrison, a MusicMatters co-founder.
"We aim to have something for everyone. People can come to one of our events and listen to something new. Audiences always seem to connect with live music and the musicians."
Harrison says the first MusicMatters event in February was held in Minhang District, and in spite of the distance from downtown, the concert attracted more than 180 people.
The MusicMatters events have continued to grow, boosted by the fact that the following three concerts were held in central Shanghai.
An event at Mural Bar and Restaurant attracted more than 280 people who saw 11 musicians perform.
With a fancy dress theme, the night proved an unexpected success for the organizers, according to Harrison.
For their next event, they plan to hold a Beatles-themed evening at the Bulldog Pub.
The concert will feature new and old acts playing different Beatles songs in a range of styles.
Audience members are encouraged to dress up for the event and can come along as one of the Fab Four or as a character in one of their songs.
Caw has previously organized similar musical events in Glasgow, Scotland, and said the concerts have enabled musicians who may not have played live since they left their country of origin to get back into performing.
Ben Longworth, for example, played in an indie rock group called "Fungal Ashtray" in his hometown of Halifax, in northern England.
Before performing a set that includes covers and original songs for MusicMatters, it had been three years since the singer-songwriter had performed live.
Guitarist Longworth says MusicMatters has given him a chance to meet other musicians and also gain confidence in performing.
"This group allows you to hook up with a whole group of different musicians," Longworth says. "I would be happy to play in another band in the future, but getting back into performing live has meant I am getting more comfortable on stage."
The next MusicMatters event will be held at the Bulldog Pub at 1 Wulumuqi Road near the corner of Dongping Road on August 10.
The event kicks off at 9 p.m. with a 50 yuan (US$7.33) cover charge, a free drink on entry and buy one get one free drinks for the rest of the evening.
By Sam Riley |
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