Mar
17
2019
0

17 March 2019

Family concertThis afternoon we went to a family concert by Guernsey Symphonic Winds.

We had everything from Fantasia to Frozen, Moana and a Disney medley. The kids were all encouraged to dress up and we really enjoyed it. Obviously Spiderman x2 were more interested in their popcorn.

Written by Anna Williams in: Music | Tags:
Nov
23
2017
0

A year in pictures – Day 324

Music

Back to choir today and one of the topics of disussion on the island is the suggestion that funding for the Guernsey Music Centre is to be reviewed.

As a teenager most of my Saturdays were spent at Music Centre. I had the fortune of having clarinet and singing lessons, as well as playing in orchestras and wind bands. The music service in Guernsey has always been amazing. So many children have had the opportunities to develop their musical abilities and that would be an absolute travesty if that stopped.

So, all that I learned as a child I still use today. Being part of a choir taught me to be part of a team, to listen to each other, to take instruction (mostly) and to laugh a lot. It taught me discipline and patience but more than that it is great for my mood, mental and physical health and my social life.

Music certainly makes the world go around!

Written by Anna Williams in: Choir,Music | Tags: , , ,
Sep
14
2014
0

2014 Project365 (Day 256)

13 September 2014

We have had such a great evening. Tonight was the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and in Guernsey they have a Proms on the Pier. There were two local choirs and a jazz band playing and then we went to join the second half of the Albert Hall event on the big screen.

One of the choirs that was singing was Bel Canto, the choir that I sing with. The girls sounded awesome and it was lovely to be able to actually listen to them.

We took the kids, all ready in their pyjamas and The Little Mister had such a wonderful evening. My aunt and uncle, Dad and cousin as well as the inlaws also came. The Little Mister was clapping and dancing to the live music and he just enjoyed himself so much. I love this picture of him just chilling out on Auntie Sandra’s knee. Gorgeous.

A wonderful evening with such a beautiful view over the harbour and finished off with fireworks. Fabulous.

Written by Anna Williams in: Choir,Family,Guernsey,Music | Tags: , ,
Jul
26
2014
0

2014 Project365 (Day 206)

Castle Nights

Tonight The Mister and The Little Mister and I went to Castle Cornet for one of the free music evenings that they have throughout the summer.

They are brilliant nights out and they have three different stages with different types of music playing at each one.

Last night two of my cousins band was playing. They are called Clameur de Haro and this was just their second gig. It was great fun and it was a gorgeous evening and nice to be out with some of the family. We took the chance to have a picnic tea and chill out. Such a great evening out in a beautiful venue.

This photo is of my cousin Matthew and iis daughter. She was being so funny but I thought this was a lovely photo of the two of them. Funny to think that Matthew once had beautiful curly hair too!!!

Written by Anna Williams in: cousins,Guernsey,Music | Tags: , ,
May
03
2014
0

2014 Project365 (Day 123)

Cake fundraiser!This afternoon The Little Mister and I went to a lovely afternoon tea at Eldad Church which was a fundraiser for Mum’s legacy project in Burkina Faso through Compassion UK. Half the money has already been raised but there is a few thousand more to go.

It was a lovely afternoon and the organisers did a brilliant job. My sister came with my niece, who managed to woof her way through 4 sandwiches before starting on the cakes. The Little Mister was happy kicking a football around and it was so nice to see lots of people.

Fundraising for a project in Mum’s memory feels weird, but it also feels like it is something positive to do in the midst of our sadness.

Written by Anna Williams in: Church,Music | Tags: , , ,
Jul
27
2012
1

2012 Project365 (Day 208)

KPMG Castle NightTonight I went with The Mister and my parents up to Castle Cornet for one of their KPMG sponsored Castle Nights.

For four evenings in July/August the castle opens up for free and has musical acts performing. People are welcome to bring picnics and wine and just join in the atmosphere. Tonight we saw GU10, the The Houghton Weavers and ImaginJack who are pictured here. They are a duo who sing opera. He has a spectacular moustache and they were very entertaining.

A lovely evening out, and there is one more next week. Hurray!

Written by Anna Williams in: Guernsey,Music,Project365 | Tags: , , , ,
Jul
01
2012
2

2012 Project365 (Day 182)

1 July 2012Last day at Sark Folk Festival and the morning greeted us with torrential rain. We had to get our tent packed up and into the container and then we were free to wander off to the site. There were definitely fewer people there today as people started to get their boats back to Guernsey.

We managed to catch the final act of the festival Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman and they were fantastic. Poor Kathryn had a hacking cough but her voice was still incredible and I was hugely entertained by their five year old daughters who sat on the edge of the stage whilst their parents performed. What was especially sweet was seeing them sing along with the songs. A brilliant way to end the festival.

So, at the end of the weekend what do I think? Sark Folk Festival is truly unique, limited to it’s size in terms of geography as much as anything I doubt whether it will attract any massive acts, but it is such a charming venue for a boutique festival. I will definitely go back, although next year might be in a B&B as I am not sure I can face camping over there with a 6 month old baby!

Written by Anna Williams in: Camping,Family,Festival,Music | Tags: , , ,
Jul
01
2012
0

2012 Project365 (Day 181)

30 June 2012 Guernsey has such a brilliant line-up of local folk bands and there is a really health folk scene.

The band pictured are called The Barley Dogs and The Mister and I have seen them play a number of times. The double bass player is well known for climbing onto his bass whilst he is playing it. There are great fun and generally get the crowd up and jigging. We saw a few great bands today including The John Wesley Stone and yesterday we saw The Space Pirates of Rocquaine. It’s fabulous to see local bands doing so well.

We finished off our night by watching the amazing Show of Hands who as ever were incredible. Funny and charming they played to a packed tent and everyone seemed to love it. Multiple instruments added to the entertainment and I think they were my highlight of the festival!

Written by Anna Williams in: Festival,Music,Project365 | Tags: , , ,
Jun
10
2012
0

2012 Project365 (Day 160)

Guernsey FolkSorry this is late people. I really wanted to post a photo of the gig that we went to last night but we got back so late that the only thing I was fit for was heading to bed!

Last night we went to see Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson. They are a couple who play an unusual blend of blues and traditional folk. I think he is from Australia and she is Irish. They played at Sark Folk Festival last year and apparently were a massive hit, kind of obvious by the fact that the gig was a sell out!

I didn’t really know what to expect but was completely gobsmacked by her ability to play the tin whistle/flute/piccolo and the drums at the same time and then switch to singing without missing a beat. She also plays a rather impressive washboard! His guitar and banjo playing is pretty impressive too. Anyway, well worth going to see if you get the chance.

Unfortunately I didn’t manage to get a decent photo of them but this will take you to a YouTube video. The picture is of their support act The Barley Dogs who are a local folk band that we really enjoy.

Written by Anna Williams in: Guernsey,Music,Project365 | Tags: , ,

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