The Hayes family golf day, which should have taken place in the spring, found a home post-lockdown at the Surrey National Golf Club today in scorching sunshine. The third hottest day on record according to the news. Sponsored by Leigh, all funds raised were directed to the Stephen Hayes Fund, which is now approaching an impressive £20,000 and on its way to the £30,000 target to support his returning home from hospital.
News & events
Twitter walkout
The Musicians’ Union has joined the 48-hour Twitter ‘walkout’ against Twitter’s inaction this weekend, following a series of tweets inciting violence against Jewish people posted by grime artist Wiley. The Twitter walkout means the Union will not be posting on the platform for 48 hours, from 9am on Monday 27 July to 9am on Wednesday 29 July.
Summer of Live 2
Musicians’ Union and British Underground presented the second Summer of Live Festival broadcast in aid of the MU Hardship Fund for musicians this evening. Hosted by award-winning artist Greg Russell and featuring performances by John Smith, Lady Nade and Chloe Foy, the event took its inspiration from the UK’s vibrant folk music scene.
Summer of Live
The MU is launching its Summer of Live Online Festival today, with the inaugural event being hosted by Shell Zenner, radio presenter, producer and DJ, and featuring the talents of Eliza Shaddad, Jack Curley, Prima and Kinkai.
The Musician (summer 2020)
The latest issue of The Musician (summer 2020) has been dispatched via DotMailer in digital format to all MU members and the magazine can be accessed via the ISSUU facility and pdf on the Union’s website. Understandably this edition focuses on how life under lockdown has impacted on UK musicians and how the MU has supported its members during the outbreak and lobbied parliament over financial support for musicians.
BCB Radio
I undertook a radio interview with Katherine at BCB Radio today, in which we discussed the financial hardship facing working musicians. This will be broadcast on Friday morning between 11am and 12pm with presenter Ian Forward. Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB) is a volunteer-led, community organisation that uses engagement with Community Radio as a tool for personal development, community empowerment and social change.
Keep Music Alive
Keep Music Alive and #FixStreaming is a joint campaign by the MU and the Ivors Academy and is set for launch today. Respected journalist John Harris has written an article for The Guardian article to mark the campaign being established.
Love on a summer’s day
My thanks to Greg Fitzgerald for his superb production of “Love on a summer’s day”, a track I wrote with my profoundly deaf stepdaughter Lisa in mind. Mix 6 was signed off today and well worth the wait and extra effort spent, in particular, on the coda. A part which benefits from the combined excellent vocal contributions by both Greg and his daughter Emily. Very pleased.
Sky News
I have arranged, in my capacity as MU PR & Marketing Official, for Horace Trubridge and teacher/member Sam Dunkley to be interviewed live on air today during the early morning news slot on Sky News. Principally to discuss how the government schemes, although well-meant, are not supporting all musicians.