Live Session 8th February @ OFS

For our first live session of 2013 we took over The Old Fire Station Arts Centre in the middle of Oxford City.

At the Ark T music project, we aim to provide young people the opportunities to perform, sometimes for the first time, in a safe all ages environment. As well as holding gigs in the main hall at the Ark T Centre we understand the importance of holding bigger events outside of Centre.

Having the gig in a more well known venue such as The Old Fire Station, creates a bigger 'hype' and sense of achievement for the young people and is the next step in their progression as live performance artists. We see this as a great stepping stone in the young people's musical career and it's great to see the young people after the gigs with great big grins on their faces, proud of themselves!

Check out some more photos of the night here:

A lot of the young people we work with have left school at 16 or are struggling at school and we see this focus on progressing their music makes them believe they can achieve things using their own skills and strengths and this will follow them through into their lives outside of music. 

The February Live Session saw 14 acts from all over the county performing their music live. A wide range genres was on display and for many of the artists it was their first live performance. The event was very well attended by a very receptive audience and everyone involved enjoyed the night immensely leaving comments on our social media pages such as:

"There are some talented young people out there, lovely evening thanks. My boy is still talking about it. :)"

"Last night, everyone was so amazing :)"

"Overall todays performance/performers were beyond DOPE!!! and much love for the supporters who came out"

The night was a great success, it was great to see a great mix of the young people from different backgrounds and musical genres come together and support one another, a great moment we witnessed at the end of the gig, was one of the young MC's giving the lead singer of the Indie band that closed the night a big hug and saying how much he loved their set!

With the next live session in March hotly anticipated by all.