Bringing Live Music to the Heart of the Community

After a hugely successful run last year, we've been back out this spring with a new series of Get Together daytime music events across East Devon, delivered in partnership with the Devon Music Education Hub.

The idea behind Get Together is simple: bring live music to people who might not easily make it to an evening gig. That means memory cafes, befriending groups and community spaces, the kinds of gatherings where people are already coming together, and where a live performance can do something genuinely special. Three events in, and it's doing exactly what we hoped.

James Chedgey kicked things off at Honiton Memory Cafe, with a warm, relaxed afternoon that had the whole room singing along to Elvis. One die-hard fan was absolutely delighted. As well as the classics, James brought some of the contemporary music he loves to the room, and that went down a treat too. It was a reminder of how live music can move across generations and tastes when it's delivered with genuine warmth.

In March, Ashleigh Turley performed at Sid Valley Memory Cafe, accompanied by Tom Deam on violin. The cafe found the perfect words to describe it afterwards: an afternoon of "music, laughter and tears." There's something about that combination that feels like exactly the right measure of a good Get Together.

Most recently, Ana and Isla brought guitar, piano and beautiful vocals to TRIP's befriending group in Honiton. The organiser was so taken with it that she's already asked about a return visit later in the year. That kind of response tells you everything.

One of the things that makes Get Together distinctive is that it isn't only about the audiences. Alongside performances, musicians receive mentorship from Hugh Nankivell from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Hugh works with emerging artists and has significant experience working in community and care settings with older audiences, including those with dementia and their carers - we are grateful for his depth of experience and insight to those conversations.

James reflected that performing for audiences he wouldn't usually reach had been a genuinely valuable experience, and that he feels more confident connecting with new people. That combination, artists growing through the work while communities benefit from it, is at the heart of what we're trying to do.

"It's been fabulous to see such talented young musicians, and the joy they bring to our Memory Cafe groups in Sidmouth and Honiton and the TRIP befriending group. Great to see the generations mingling, enjoying each other's company, and meeting the wonderful volunteers who are essential to maintaining these caring collectives in our Devon communities." Wendy, Community Curator.