On Wednesday 18th June, Music Connects is celebrating Refugee Week 2025 with an open mic evening at the Boileroom in Guildford, using this year’s theme ‘Community as a Superpower’ as inspiration.
Music Connects is a collaborative music project which brings young people from displaced and local communities together, through the shared language of music. The project is funded by Youth Music and the Arts Council and in partnership with Big Leaf Foundation and ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts.
Kayte Cable, Big Leaf Foundation founder says, ‘Community as a Superpower’ is an idea that resonates so strongly with all of us at Big Leaf, particularly during a time when migrant and non-white communities across the UK are facing increasing hostility and agitation.’
During the evening, members of the local community are welcome to join Music Connects at the Boileroom, to sing, play or dance alongside performances from displaced and local young people, reflecting the connection and strength that comes both from music itself, and the opportunity to celebrate it together. This will be an open stage for all abilities not just talented or experienced musicians.
Sarah Lee: ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts Head of Service said ‘ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts is incredibly proud to partner with Big Leaf Foundation on Music Connects, a project that powerfully demonstrates how music can break down barriers and build lasting connections. Seeing displaced and local young people come together, create, and celebrate through music is a moving reminder that community truly is a superpower. Refugee Week gives us a vital opportunity to amplify these voices, and we're honoured to be the delivery partner on such an inclusive and inspiring event.’
Now in its fourth year, Music Connects participants have previously recorded 3 songs at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), written and recorded a track with Mother Mother, performed at Union Chapel London, and held several open mic nights.
Most recently they performed at the Mayor of Guildford’s Diversity show, with a shadow puppetry retelling of a journey to sanctuary to an original soundtrack which was composed and performed by Music Connects participants, where they received a standing ovation and many expressions of solidarity and friendship.
For more information and to book a ticket, please contact Kayte at contact@bigleaffoundation.org.uk
More from surrey arts news
- Is 2024 the year to start making music history?
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts welcomes Lin Marsh for the 2024 Primary Music Festival Concerts
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts announces the appointment of ‘Lead Schools’
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts Gala unites 300 young musicians from across the county
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts’ teacher and local school win prestigious music awards
- Schools Come Together For Online Music Festival Workshop
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts’ Teacher Shortlisted for Teacher of the Year
- Hit the right note for the new school year with ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts presenting on work with displaced children and young people
- Sing with ÖйúPÕ¾ Youth Choir
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts appointed to lead ÖйúPÕ¾ Music Hub
- ÖйúPÕ¾ County Youth Orchestra Celebrates 60 years
- ÖйúPÕ¾ recognised as Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Accessible Champion
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts welcomes government minister and VIPs to one of its music centres
- Student Conductor Project
- Youth Music National Awards 2022
- New conductors for county ensembles
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts Advanced Ensembles are recruiting
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts recommend audible shows to celebrate Podcast Day 2023
- Primary Music Festivals 2022
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts launches new vocal group for care leavers
- Summer SMASH Rocks!
- New independent chair for ÖйúPÕ¾ Music Hub board
- Music Connects recognised for national award
- New music centre launches in North ÖйúPÕ¾
- ‘Music Connects’ Perform at London’s iconic Union Chapel
- Successful bid creates music opportunities for displaced children in ÖйúPÕ¾
- Just So Singers workshop as part of the ÖйúPÕ¾ Hills Harvest celebration
- Success for ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts students
- National Youth Orchestra success for ÖйúPÕ¾ Arts student
- ÖйúPÕ¾ Dance Teacher's Hub