Music In Hospitals (North East) whose strap line is ‘creating joy through live music’ has listened to patients and service users’ requests and is now looking at rock and roll to soothe the soul.
The charity arranges around 1000 concerts per year across the North of England with professional musicians engaging patients and their families. For many years, the popular genres of music have included traditional folk, popular showtunes and wartime reminiscence songs but increasingly, some patients are asking for Elvis to entertain them.
Alison Forbes who is the Development Officer in the North East is looking for professional Elvis and other rock and roll performers to audition.
“We work with professional musicians who are carefully chosen by audition and who all have the right communication and engagement skills to help them to interact with the audience irrespective of their illness, disability or age.
“We will be auditioning acts in the New Year in Newcastle and I’d urge any one who has the talent to perform and the passion to benefit vulnerable people to come forward. We operate across the whole of the North of England, so we hope to find a number of suitable performers. “
Prospective Elvis Presley’s should have a band (max 3 in total) or perform solo with an acoustic guitar. Backing tapes aren’t acceptable as Music in Hospital only provides live music. Successful artists will be eligible for paid work.
One talented musician who is looking to work with the charity is Jamie Bell who fronts the successful Baldy Holly Band.
“ This is a great charity and they have got it right when they say that people want to hear rock and roll. I’ve been hooked since I was a small child when I heard Buddy Holly and Elvis. They inspired me to get a guitar and perform.”
To apply for a Rock and Roll audition, please email your contact details, a short biography and a You Tube or website link to a live performance to alison.forbes@musicinhospitals.org.uk by 9th January 2017.