Blog: Woweee what a super weekend!

Woweee what a super weekend!

Last weekend at the town hall was jam-packed full of fun stuff to watch and do.
I spent most of my time in the Council Chambers in Ipswich Town Hall, where Grapevine and Punch Studios had tables packed with gig info and goodies to give away.

Friday saw a Doctor Who creative writing workshop with The New Wolsey Theatre and Tom Macra, showing kids a thing or two about writing and I’m sure a few tricks of the trade too – Well Jel! I’m just too old!
In the arvo there was a Pop Hit Factory Vocal Workshop – now I can’t really brag too much about this as it was run by yours truly, what I can say is how fantastic the kids were who came along and got involved. They worked really well together to create a performance with harmonies, “Oo’s” and “Ah’s” and even some dance moves, and then performed it on stage (unfortunately only to about 5 people, but those 5 loved it!!) Well done to the newly formed girl band, ‘Holly Murs’!

Saturday morning brought Ipswich Theatretrain with its young and talented musical theatre performers. This was open to any children to get involved and I’m pleased to say that some did! They had fun playing drama games, setting some scenes, dancing and performing a song. They all had a fantastic time and really showed off their talents!

Punch Rock School burst into action after Theatretrain with 9 budding rock stars eager to write their songs and show the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kings of Leon and the Foofighters how it’s done! Great kids, really talented and hard working!
The gig on Sunday was brill, with each band performing their two, yes TWO original songs that they wrote in less than 8 hours! Wow!

I was there again Saturday night to watch Grapevine Live’s first ever gig! No, the GVL team weren’t performing themselves (HA!), but they got some fantastic performers on the bill! The evening started with the heart-warming voice of Rayon Nelson who accompanied himself on acoustic guitar, lovely. Then it was Joe Gibbings, who if anyone ever reads what I write will know how much I love this guy. His set was a mix of originals and covers, which were performed well with his mate (sorry can’t remember his name, we’ll call him Herbert) playing guitar. 
Youth Club were next, loud, brash and actually got people dancing! Go Youth Club!! They are just so cool and really current.
This Boy Wonders headlined the gig and what a great end to a brilliant line up. The next big thing to come out of Ipswich!

One thing I’ll say is how saddened I was that hardly anybody came to see or get involved in any of the above! What a shame! Ipswich what are you doing?! Grapevine and many others worked their little butts off to get a weekend full of diverse, arts -based workshops and performances, most of which was free and it seems no one could be bothered. So tell me, Ipswich, what is it you want?! Coz I’m sure we’ll try to do it for you!
Thank you for reading
Libby